13 Shots, One Goal: Sao Paulo Move Past Internacional

Sao Paulo defeated Internacional 1-0 at Morumbi, securing the win after leading by the same score at half-time. Jonathan Calleri’s 15th-minute penalty proved decisive in a match where Internacional controlled more of the ball and produced more attempts but could not find an equaliser.

Calleri’s penalty sets the outcome

The breakthrough came after 15 minutes, when Calleri converted from the penalty spot for Sao Paulo. The goal was Sao Paulo’s only shot on target, but it was enough to separate the teams. Calleri was booked four minutes later, adding a disciplinary note to his influential opening period.

Sao Paulo made an early change when Domingos Duarte was replaced by Jose Monteiro in the 39th minute. Internacional then changed two players at half-time, bringing on Thiago Maia for Bruno Henrique and Allex Rodrigues Pereira da Silva for Matheus Bahia. Those alterations did not produce a second-half goal.

Internacional had the greater volume

The statistics show a contest tilted toward Internacional in possession and attacking volume. Internacional held 56% of the ball, completed 423 accurate passes and attempted 13 shots. Sao Paulo had 44% possession, 317 accurate passes and six attempts. Internacional also registered eight shots from outside the box, compared with two for the hosts.

However, the shot quality and finishing did not match that territorial advantage. Both teams recorded one shot on goal. Sao Paulo goalkeeper made one save, while Internacional recorded none, and Sao Paulo’s defensive effort preserved the lead despite Internacional’s higher total of attempts. Each side won three corners, while Sao Paulo committed 15 fouls to Internacional’s 13.

Cards and late changes

The first half also saw yellow cards for Internacional’s Matheus Bahia in the 20th minute and Bruno Henrique in the 34th. Gabriel Mercado was booked in the 90th minute, while Sao Paulo finished with only Calleri’s yellow. Neither team received a red card.

Sao Paulo later replaced Luciano with Danielzinho in the 64th minute and Calleri with Aldemir Ferreira in the 73rd. Internacional introduced Brian Aguirre for Vitinho at 70 minutes, but the score remained unchanged.

Table position and standout performance

The result gives Sao Paulo a win after entering the match ranked 12th with 33 points from 26 games. Internacional, listed 18th with 28 points from 27 matches, suffered another defeat after a loss in its most recent pre-match result. Sao Paulo’s listed pre-match sequence began with a win, so this result also represents consecutive victories for the hosts.

R. Tolói was the highest-rated player, earning 7.6 after playing all 90 minutes. His performance included one key pass and one tackle as Sao Paulo protected the narrow lead.