San Paulo booked their place in the next round of the Copa Sudamericana with a 3-1 victory over Bolivar at Morumbi on Wednesday. Jonathan Calleri struck twice from the penalty spot to secure the result, while Luciano and Sabino added to the home side's tally. The hosts now sit top of the group standings with 12 points from six games, three wins and three draws.
Luciano opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Bolivar responded through D. Asprilla in the 61st. Calleri then took control of the contest, converting two penalties in quick succession in the 66th and 68th minutes. Sabino sealed the win with a fourth goal in the 76th minute.
The statistics tell a story of San Paulo's dominance. They created five big chances compared to Bolivar's zero, while their expected goals figure of 1.61 stood in stark contrast to their opponents' 0.13. Both teams held 50 per cent possession, but San Paulo's 10 shots inside the penalty area revealed where their threat lay.
Bolivar had to deal with a disciplinary issue early on, with E. Saavedra collecting two yellow cards within a minute. By the time the second half began, they were already three bookings down. San Paulo's Danielzinho and Buta also went to the referee, while Pato Rodriguez and S. Echeverria were cautioned for the visitors.
San Paulo's recent form suggests they are building momentum. After a 1-1 draw with Bolivar on Tuesday, they have now won this tie. Their last five matches show resilience, with three draws and two losses before this result. They remain unbeaten in their last five competitive fixtures.
The away side had been in better shape recently, winning four of their last five games before the draw with San Paulo. Their 4-1 victory over Bullo-Bullo on Monday showed attacking intent, but they found no answer here. The goal difference now favours San Paulo, who hold the tie in their own hands for the next stage.