Primafera SP demolished São Caetano 7-0 in the Round of 16 of the Copa Paulista on Friday evening. The result completed a remarkable reversal of fortunes between the same opponents, who met just five days earlier when São Caetano won 5-0 at home. We had backed the hosts for victory with 77 per cent confidence, and Sunday's performance vindicated that call. The home side opened the scoring at the twelfth minute, then extended their advantage through Kauan Cunha at nineteen.
Goals followed at thirty-nine, forty-eight, fifty-seven, sixty-seven and seventy-seven minutes, giving Primafera SP a comprehensive victory. São Caetano's red card came somewhere in the second half, leaving them with ten men for the closing stages. The visitors managed zero corners all evening, while the hosts registered seven. By then the result was no longer in doubt.
Statistically, the match told a familiar story of dominance without possession being the only measure. Primafera SP held 69 per cent of the ball and launched 91 attacks, while São Caetano's 92 attacks came with a red card and three yellow cards to show for their efforts. The away side had nothing to do all evening after the dismissal, unable to threaten the home goal.
Recent form made this outcome predictable, though the margin was surprising. São Caetano's last five games included three defeats and two draws, while Primafera SP had won four of their previous seven matches. The academy graduate Cunha marked his first start with a goal, adding to the home side's tally.
The victory takes Primafera SP into the quarter-finals, while São Caetano's campaign comes to an end. The goal difference of seven goals tells its own story — a team that sensed blood after the early breakthrough and did not let up. Cup football has its own rules, and on this occasion the home side proved decisive.