Lucas Moura’s declaration after the classification of San Paolo in Libertadores: “Night to be marked …”

San Paolo assured their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after eliminating Atletico Nacional to penalties, in a night of strong emotional charm in Morumbis. With a 1-1 draw in normal time, the decision went to the penalties and Tricolor won 4-3, exceeding a recent story of eliminations in this criterion. The clash presented the largest audience in the stadium of the year: 57,559 fans were present on Tuesday (August 19).

Previously, the club had fallen into a penalty shooter at Libertadores in 2024 and in the 2025 Brazilian cup. This time, however, the story was different. The goalkeeper Rafael defended the first accusation of Uribes and saw Hynstroza kick on the crossbar, opening the way to the classification. It was up to Cédric to convert the last penalty and seal the vacant place of San Paolo.

Lucas Moura, who started on the bench and entered the second half, praised the atmosphere of the stadium and appreciated the moment when he lives with his tricolor shirt. “Another night to score in our lives, the night of Libertadores in Morumbis is inexplicable. I am grateful to God for having lived this, very few people can become a player, few can play Libertadores and even less in Morumbis. You have to enhance and I’m grateful, so now it’s now to rest for the next“.

Shirt 7 revealed anxiety before entering the field and highlighted the impact of the fans from the arrival of the bus to the stadium. “It is difficult to stay out, since we arrived with the bus that passed into the corridor, then I was in the bank and I was looking forward to entering, but thanks to God it worked, I entered and worked, a game as a strong head must have today and we took.”

The classification also had a symbolic flavor for the fan of San Paolo. After all, in 2016, Atletico Nacional had eliminated the San Paolo team in the semifinal of the same competition. Although Lucas Moura was not present at that moment, because he still behaves in European football, he commented on the emotional weight of the meeting.

“That semifinal was still on PSG, but obviously the fans and the press remembered, but we set as a decision that we had to put our hearts on the boot, the heart on the field and represent the fan who made this wonderful party and encouraged us, so we had to win it.”

Sao Paulo’s goal in normal time was scored by André Silva immediately after two minutes, after a corner kick. The Colombian draw arrived in the final phase, with a penalty kick converted by Morelos, after the revision of Var. However, San Paolo had the numerical advantage from the 25th minute of the second half, with the expulsion of Cardona on the second yellow card.

Now, the San Paolo club awaits the result between Botafogo and Ldu, who decide the place on Thursday (21 August) in Quito. The winner will be the opponent of San Paolo in the next phase of the continental competition.

Source: Terra

Rose

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