It’s safe to say São Paulo are in a crisis after yet another loss to Atlético-GO in the Brasilerao. Tricolor lost 2-1 away from home to Dragão and dropped to fourth place in the Brasilerao. Natanael and Vitor were on target for the home side, while Reinaldo scored for the visitors.
For a side who were once favorites to win the Brazilian Championship, it is socking to see how they have slumped over recent weeks. For emphasis, São Paulo were four points ahead of then second place Flamengo just five game-weeks ago and nine points ahead of the then fourth-placed side Internacional (now the current leaders).
Six games without a win and Tricolor now find themselves down the pile in fourth place, trailing new found leaders Internacional by seven points. However, let’s take a look at how their latest outing went.
Atlético drew first blood in the 21st minute when Natanael’s effort deflected off Arboleda, sending Tiago Volpi the wrong way after a corner kick.
Minutes later, Luciano almost headed in an equalizer for São Paulo but hosts were able to stop his effort. Wellington Rato and Janderson both had chances to double their advantage but weren’t able to get their efforts on target.
However, Reinaldo levelled matters for Tricolor in the 40th minute, after a one-two exchange from Igor Gomes, blasting his effort past Dragão goalkeeper Jean from outside the goal area.
Atlético came back from the break with better intensity than the first. Their overall game became better and they threatened more often than the visitors. São Paulo replaced Gabriel Sara with Vitor Bueno right after the break, but the substitution didn’t have any expected effect on the game.
Atlético then scored the winning goal with two minutes left on the clock when Vitor tapped in Chico’s pass three minutes after being subbed on.
Atlético-GO return to the field as early as Wednesday when they visit Bragantino while São Paulo who has not won a game in six matches, will have to wait till February 11 for their next game against Ceará.
Should São Paulo suffer yet more loses before the end of the campaign, Fernando Diniz could find himself in a delicate position given the number of coaches that have already been sacked this season.
