São Paulo beat Juventude, take lead in Copa do Brasil

São Paulo beat Juventude, take lead in Copa do Brasil

At MorumBIS, São Paulo beat Juventude 1-0 this Tuesday (21) in the first leg of the fifth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil.

Before the match, the atmosphere in the stadium already showed discontent.

So much so that when his name was announced, coach Roger Machado was booed by the Tricolor fans.

Once the ball got rolling, São Paulo completely controlled the action and was rarely tested defensively.

After Alan Franco and Cauly were denied by goalkeeper Pedro Rocha, Artur whipped in a cross, and Luciano headed it in to open the scoring.

Artur and Cauly also wasted chances to extend the lead in the first half.

After the break, with Diogo Barbosa sent off for a nasty foul on Luciano, São Paulo’s task became even easier.

Artur hit the post, and Calleri, missing chances one-on-one with the goalkeeper, were unable to turn their dominance on the field into a more comfortable scoreline.

In stoppage time, Calleri had the chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Pedro Rocha made a fine save low into the corner.

After the final whistle, more boos came from the São Paulo fans at MorumBIS.

🚦 How it stands

With the win, São Paulo can even draw the return leg on May 13 at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium and still book a place in the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Juventude need to win by two goals to qualify. If the team from Rio Grande do Sul wins by one goal, the spot will be decided on penalties.

The green-and-white side return to action next Saturday (25), when they host Londrina in the sixth round of Série B.

Tricolor Paulista, meanwhile, will face Mirassol at Brinco de Ouro on the same day in the 13th round of the Brasileirão.