São Paulo Secures Group Lead with 3-1 Win Over São Bernardo in Paulistão

São Paulo defeated São Bernardo 3-1 on Sunday at Estádio 1º de Maio in the final round of the Campeonato Paulista group stage.

André Silva scored twice, and Robert Arboleda added a late goal to secure São Paulo’s top spot in Group C with 19 points, edging out Novorizontino by one point. Fabrício Daniel scored São Bernardo’s lone goal from the penalty spot.

This victory ended São Paulo’s five-game winless streak under coach Luis Zubeldía, providing a much-needed boost ahead of the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, São Bernardo retained first place in Group D with 23 points, benefiting from Ponte Preta’s defeat.

Both teams now prepare for the knockout stage next weekend. São Paulo will host Novorizontino at Morumbi, while São Bernardo faces Palmeiras at Estádio 1º de Maio.

The match began with São Paulo asserting dominance early. At the 10-minute mark, André Silva forced a close-range save from goalkeeper Júnior Oliveira after a corner kick.

Nine minutes later, São Paulo broke through when Oscar delivered a precise cross that André Silva headed into the bottom corner. The visitors nearly doubled their lead moments later when Lucas struck the post following a rebound.

São Paulo extended their lead in the 31st minute with another goal from André Silva. After a well-executed play on the left flank, Wendel set up Silva for an easy finish.

São Bernardo responded in the second half when Cédric Soares fouled Helder Maciel in the box, leading to Fabrício Daniel’s penalty conversion in the 11th minute. Although André Silva appeared to complete a hat trick in the 20th minute, VAR ruled his goal offside.

São Paulo continued to press and sealed the win in stoppage time. After a defensive error by São Bernardo, Ferraresi’s cross found Arboleda, who capitalized on the loose ball to score.

This result positions both teams for high-stakes quarterfinal clashes as they aim to advance further in the competition.