São Paulo Beats Atlético Nacional on Penalties to Reach Libertadores Quarterfinals

When São Paulo FC edged out Atlético Nacional in a nail‑biting penalty shootout on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Tricolor Paulista secured a place in the 2025 Copa Libertadores quarter‑finals. The drama unfolded at São Paulo’s Morumbí stadium, where a 1‑1 dead‑lock after 90 minutes gave way to a 4‑3 shootout win that will see the Brazilian side meet either Botafogo or LDU Quito next.

Background: A Tale of Two Legs

The tie began with a goalless first‑leg in Medellín’s Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 12, a game that left both coaches wary of conceding away goals. Coming into the second leg, São Paulo held a 0‑0 aggregate but possessed the home‑field advantage and a raucous crowd that had already made the stadium feel like a pressure cooker.

Match Summary: Goals, Cards, and Shifts in Momentum

Early pressure paid off when André Silva rose above the defense to head home a corner delivered by Alan Franco. The goal came in the 23rd minute and sent the São Paulo faithful into a frenzy.

Atlético Nacional answered after the break. A slip inside the box saw defender Enzo Díaz fall under challenge, and forward Alfredo Morelos stepped up to convert the resulting penalty in the 58th minute, evening the score.

Mid‑second half drama escalated when midfielder Edwin Cardona collected a second yellow and was sent off. Nacional had to endure the final 25 minutes with ten men, a tactical disadvantage that saw São Paulo dominate possession but fail to find a winner before full‑time.

Penalty Shootout Drama: Heroes and Heartbreaks

With the aggregate locked at 1‑1, the tie moved to penalties. São Paulo’s veteran keeper Rafael made an immediate impact, palming away the first attempt from Nacional’s striker Mateus Uribe. The Brazilian side’s second taker slipped, but the third, Cédric Soares, calmly slotted his spot‑kick to keep the pressure on.

The turning point arrived when Nacional’s midfielder Marino Inistrosa saw his effort crash into the top bar. A follow‑up miss from Uribe sealed the fate, and Soares at the fifth spot turned the tide, sending his teammates into a jubilant celebration.

Reactions & Analysis: What the Coaches Said

In the post‑match press conference, Hernán Crespo, São Paulo’s manager, praised the squad’s resilience while urging a focus on consistency.

“We have a lot of room for improvement,” Crespo said. “We played against a very difficult rival with great experience and tactical organization. It’s true that we had good moments, but we need to do better.”

Atlético Nacional’s coach, however, lamented the missed opportunities and the red card’s impact, noting that “the margin for error in a knock‑out tie is razor‑thin, and today the odds tipped against us.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Challenge

São Paulo now awaits the winner of the Botafogo versus LDU Quito clash, scheduled for later that week in Rio de Janeiro. Both opponents have shown attacking flair, meaning the Brazilian side may need to tighten its defence if it hopes to go further.

Expert analyst Guilherme Meldrum from Globo Esporte highlighted the significance of São Paulo’s penalty‑shootout experience, noting that “teams that survive the nerves of a shootout often carry that confidence into the next round.”

Key Facts

• Date: August 19, 2025
• Venue: Morumbí stadium, São Paulo, Brazil
• Score after regular time: 1‑1 (aggregate 1‑1)
• Penalty shootout: São Paulo 4‑3 Atlético Nacional
• Goal scorers: André Silva (São Paulo), Alfredo Morelos (Atlético Nacional)
• Red card: Edwin Cardona (Atlético Nacional)
• Man of the match: Rafael (São Paulo goalkeeper)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does São Paulo’s win affect their quarter‑final chances?

Advancing gives São Paulo a morale boost and a tactical edge, as they’ll face a side that has just survived a high‑scoring encounter. The win also demonstrates their composure under pressure, a trait that often proves decisive in knockout rounds.

What impact did Edwin Cardona’s red card have on the outcome?

Playing with ten men forced Atlético Nacional into a more defensive posture, limiting their ability to press for a second goal. The numerical disadvantage also meant they had fewer options during the penalty shootout, contributing to missed chances.

Who were the standout performers for São Paulo?

André Silva’s opening header set the tone, while Cédric Soares kept his nerves to score the decisive penalty. Goalkeeper Rafael earned hero status with two crucial saves in the shootout, essentially sealing the victory.

When and where will São Paulo’s next match take place?

The quarter‑final is slated for August 24, 2025, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, pending the outcome of the Botafogo‑LDU Quito tie.

What does this result mean for Atlético Nacional’s campaign?

The loss ends Nacional’s 2025 Libertadores run, but the narrow margin and the dramatic shootout underline their resilience. The experience may serve them well in domestic competitions as they regroup for the upcoming season.