Paulista FC — Grêmio Prudente: 2:3, Copa Paulista

Grêmio Prudente claimed a 3-2 victory over Paulista in the Round of 16 of the Cupa Paulista on Sunday evening. The result means the visitors advance to the quarter-finals after a comeback performance. Paulista had taken an early lead through Lucas Batatinha's goal in the 37th minute.

Five goals followed across the second half and the closing stages of the match. Batatinha's strike gave the home side the advantage, but Grêmio Prudente found their way through to take control. Things came to a head as the visitors responded after falling behind. Paulista pushed to find an equaliser but could not break through.

The statistics tell a different story from the final scoreline. Paulista enjoyed 59 per cent possession and registered 119 attacks compared to 103 for the away side. Yet Grêmio Prudente were more efficient with their chances, converting more of their shots on target. The decision was overturned in momentum terms — possession does not always translate to goals.

Paulista's discipline became an issue late on, accumulating four yellow cards against one for Grêmio Prudente. The home side also had more corners and throw-ins, indicating sustained pressure. But cup football has its own rules, and clinical finishing often matters more than territorial dominance.