- by Quentin Flambé
- on 30 Sep, 2025
When São Paulo Football Club faced Atlético Nacional in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 second legEstádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo on August 19, 2025, the Brazilian side locked horns with the Colombian giants in a match that would be decided by a nerve‑shredding penalty shootout. Early drama unfolded when André Silva struck in the third minute, giving the home crowd a quick smile. The tie stayed level at 1‑1 after Alfredo Morelos converted a spot‑kick in the 70th, and a red card for Edwin Cardona left Nacional down to ten men, setting the stage for a showdown at the penalty spot that saw Rafael become the unlikely hero.
- Date: August 19, 2025 (kick‑off 00:30 UTC)
- Venue: Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo, São Paulo (aka MorumBIS)
- Score after regulation: 1‑1 (aggregate 1‑1)
- Penalty shootout: São Paulo 4‑3 Atlético Nacional
- Next opponent: TBD in the quarter‑finals of the Copa Libertadores
Background to the Round‑of‑16 Clash
Both clubs entered the tie with contrasting recent fortunes. São Paulo, a six‑time Libertadores champion, had endured an injury‑hit league run, missing the likes of Oscar and Jonathan Calleri. Yet the supporters believed the home leg at MorumBIS could revive the club’s continental pedigree. Across the Andes, Atlético Nacional boasted a solid record in South American competitions, having lifted the trophy three times. Their journey to the knockout stage had featured a gritty 2‑1 win over Ecuador’s Independiente Del Valle, and they arrived in São Paulo confident in their tactical discipline.
The first leg in Medellín had ended 0‑0, a result that left everything up for grabs. Analysts highlighted the importance of capitalising on home advantage, especially given the average attendance of 55,000 at MorumBIS, which makes it one of the most intimidating venues in the tournament.
Matchday Narrative: Goals, Red Card, and Drama
The early breakthrough came courtesy of André Silva, who latched onto a loose ball in the box and slotted it low to the right of the post just three minutes in. The goal sparked a chorus of chants from the São Paulo faithful, who waved flags bearing the club’s iconic tricolor.
For most of the first half, the Colombian side pressed, looking for an equaliser, but São Paulo’s defensive shape held firm. The turning point arrived in the 70th minute when a clumsy challenge inside the penalty area forced the referee to point to the spot. Alfredo Morelos stepped up, calmly placed the ball into the bottom‑corner, and forced the match into extra time.
Just minutes later, the momentum shifted dramatically. A reckless tackle by Nacional’s midfielder earned a straight red for Edwin Cardona, leaving the side with ten men for the remaining twenty‑plus minutes. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nacional organised a compact block, denying São Paulo any clear‑cut chances and forcing the referee to add four minutes of stoppage time.
Penalty Shootout: Heroes and Heartbreak
When the whistle blew to signal the end of extra time, the stadium was a cauldron of anticipation. The shootout order for São Paulo saw Lucas Moura step up first, followed by Marcos Antonio, Luciano, Enzo Díaz and finally Cédric. Each converted, putting immense pressure on Nacional.
On the Colombian side, Mateus Uribe and Jorman Campuzano scored, but Alfredo Morelos missed his second attempt, forcing the decisive kick from William Tesillo. The Brazilian keeper Rafael dove to his right, making a fingertip save that sent the crowd into a frenzy. With the score at 4‑3, Nacional’s final taker, Marino Hinestroza, saw his effort ricochet off the post, sealing São Paulo’s passage.
Post‑match interviews revealed a mixture of relief and disbelief. “We knew it would be a test of character,” said São Paulo’s head coach. “The boys showed they belong on this stage.”
Reactions and Implications for the Quarter‑Finals
Social media exploded with hashtags like #MorumBISDrama and #RafaelSaves. Fans from both sides praised the sporting spirit, but the red card incident sparked debate over whether Cardona’s dismissal was harsh. Veteran commentator Carlos Almeida noted that playing a man down for the final stretch underscored Nacional’s tactical resilience, yet the missed penalty proved costly.
From a tournament perspective, São Paulo now joins a roster that includes River Plate and Palmeiras in a quarter‑final line‑up that many pundits call “the South American heavyweights.” Statistically, teams that win a knockout round via penalties have a 55 % chance of progressing further, according to a 2023 Libertadores analysis by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).
Financially, advancing guarantees an additional US$4.2 million in prize money and boosts the club’s coefficient ranking, essential for future seeding.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for São Paulo and Nacional?
São Paulo’s next opponent will be revealed after the draw on September 5, but clues point to a possible clash with Argentine side Boca Juniors, who survived their own shootout against Racing Club. The Brazilian side will have just ten days to recover key players, especially with midfielder Nahuel Ferraresi nursing a yellow‑card suspension risk.
Atlético Nacional, despite the exit, can take pride in their defensive organisation. Coach Jorge Luis Gómez promised a “quick rebuild” and hinted at targeting the Copa Sudamericana next season. The club’s medical staff also confirmed that both César Haydar and Dairon Asprilla are expected to return ahead of the domestic league’s decisive phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the red card affect Atlético Nacional’s tactics?
Losing Edwin Cardona forced Nacional to shift from a high‑press to a low‑block, crowding the central areas and limiting São Paulo’s space. The ten‑man setup kept the score level but left fewer options for a winning goal, ultimately contributing to their reliance on the shootout.
Who were the standout performers for São Paulo?
André Silva’s early strike set the tone, while Lucas Moura’s composure in the shootout and Rafael’s crucial save were decisive. Coach‑appointed substitute Ferreira also helped maintain midfield balance after coming on in the 74th minute.
What does this victory mean for São Paulo’s Libertadores campaign?
Advancing guarantees a US$4.2 million prize boost and improves the club’s seeding for the quarter‑finals. Psychologically, surviving a penalty shootout adds confidence, a factor that historically correlates with deeper runs in the competition.
When and where will the quarter‑final draw take place?
CONMEBOL has scheduled the draw for September 5, 2025, at its headquarters in Luque, Paraguay. The event will be streamed live on the official Libertadores YouTube channel.
Will any players miss the next match because of suspensions?
São Paulo’s Nahuel Ferraresi received a yellow in the 69th minute, but not a second card, so he remains eligible. However, if any player accumulates a second yellow in the upcoming league fixtures, they could miss the Libertadores quarter‑final.