São Paulo Edges Novorizontino, Sets Up Semifinal Clash with Palmeiras

São Paulo secured a spot in the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista after defeating Novorizontino 1-0 at Morumbi on Monday. The team, led by coach Luis Zubeldía, struggled to create opportunities but capitalized on a second-half play involving Oscar, Lucas, and Calleri.

The victory sets up a high-stakes semifinal against Palmeiras, with details on the date and venue pending confirmation by the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF). According to the tournament’s schedule, the semifinals are expected to take place next weekend.

Novorizontino exits the competition and now shifts focus to the Copa do Brasil. Their next match is scheduled for March 11 at 7 PM Brasília time in Cuiabá, where they will face Operário VG.

The match began with intense physicality but little technical finesse. Novorizontino created the first real chance 11 minutes in when Patrick headed a corner from Matheus Frizzo narrowly wide.

São Paulo struggled offensively, managing their first shot only at the 31-minute mark. Calleri set up Oscar for a long-range attempt that sailed over the goal. Despite their lackluster performance, São Paulo had a golden opportunity at 38 minutes.

Alisson received a precise pass from Cédric inside the box but opted to pass to Calleri instead of shooting. Novorizontino’s defense intercepted and cleared the danger.

São Paulo Secures Hard-Fought Victory Against Novorizontino

The visitors nearly punished São Paulo’s inefficiency before halftime, with Léo Natel and Patrick Brey forcing goalkeeper Rafael into two crucial saves. The second half remained uneventful until the 15th minute when Lucas’s free kick deflected off the wall and narrowly missed the target.

São Paulo finally broke through at 17 minutes after Enzo Díaz recovered possession and initiated a quick sequence involving Oscar and Lucas. Lucas outpaced his defender and delivered a perfect assist for Calleri, who tapped in from close range.

Novorizontino pushed forward in search of an equalizer but failed to convert their chances. César Martins came close with a header in the 21st minute that troubled Rafael. São Paulo controlled the game in its final stages and nearly doubled their lead when Alisson’s corner hit the crossbar.

This hard-fought victory propels São Paulo into a pivotal semifinal clash against Palmeiras, while Novorizontino looks ahead to their next challenge in national competition.