Millonarios vs São Paulo – News and Probable Lineups

Sao Paulo is set to visit El Campin Stadium on Wednesday for their match against Millonarios in the third round of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. They are both competing in Group C, which also includes O’Higgins FC and Boston River.

The Tricolor currently leads the group with six points gathered from two matches, while Millonarios is sitting on three points and aims to remain in the race.

This encounter brings back memories of 2007 when the Colombian team knocked out their Brazilian opponents in the quarter-finals.

Match overview

Millonarios comes into this fixture with positive momentum, following a 2-0 win against Deportes Tolima at El Campin last Thursday, a result that propelled them into the Liga BetPlay play-off spots. This victory has instilled a revitalized confidence and highlighted a more structured team—traits that head coach Fabian Bustos will seek to replicate against Sao Paulo.

David Mackalister Silva found the net in the first half, while Leonardo Castro converted a penalty in the 57th minute. Castro is leading Millonarios’ scoring tally this season with six goals, and his performance bodes well ahead of this continental matchup.

Although Millonarios has shown inconsistency throughout the season, securing only one win out of their previous five matches prior to the Tolima game, their Copa Sudamericana campaign appears more promising—three points against Boston River have kept them in contention. Their home advantage, especially at Bogota’s altitude, continues to be one of their greatest strengths.

Sebastian Valencia has emerged as a key player this season, supported by contributors like Rodrigo Urena and Jorge Arias. To overcome the group leaders, Millonarios will require all three to deliver peak performances, backed by enthusiastic home support at El Campin.

On the other hand, Sao Paulo achieved a crucial 1-0 victory over Mirassol on Sunday night during matchday 13 of the Brasileiro at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium in Campinas.

Luciano scored the decisive goal with a header in the 76th minute, finishing off Wendell’s assist. This result not only snapped a poor spell in the league but also moved the Tricolor into the top four.

Following this win, Sao Paulo reached 23 points, surpassing Bahia in the Brasileiro standings. The timing of this result is perfect, as just three days later, the team will travel to Bogota for a vital Sudamericana clash to maintain their lead in Group C.

The match against Mirassol marks the beginning of a challenging stretch, featuring seven successive away games due to the unavailability of their home ground for concerts. After facing Bogota, the Tricolor will meet Bahia in Braganca Paulista and Juventude in Caxias do Sul. The schedule is demanding, but the morale-boosting win could be crucial.

Once more, Luciano was a standout performer. The number 10 has been central to the team this season—scoring in consecutive matches and guiding them through tough times. Head coach Roger Machado, who is under internal scrutiny, treated this match as the first step to alleviating pressure, and this result provides an essential lift ahead of their journey to Colombia.

Team News

Millonarios goes into the match facing a number of key absences. Radamel Falcao has a fractured cheekbone from the game against America de Cali and will not participate; first-choice goalkeeper Diego Novoa is suspended, and defender Jorge Arias is injured and unavailable.

Given the extent of absences, Bustos will need to find solutions in important areas. Sebastian Valencia and leading goal scorer Leonardo Castro will bear the most significant responsibility for the home side as they confront the group leaders.

São Paulo also faces injury worries. Pablo Maia, Marcos Antonio, Lucas Moura, and Ferreirinha are sidelined—absences that have a crucial impact, especially in midfield.

Nonetheless, the Tricolor arrives after a win over Mirassol, with Luciano again making a decisive impact. The number 10 is in fine form and will be Machado’s primary attacking threat in Bogota.

Millonarios probable starting XI:

Of Loves; Sarabia, Llinas, Banguero; Valencia, Urena, Garcia, Silva, Castillo; L Castro, D Castro

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Ramon, Alan Franco, Sabino, Diaz; Bobadilla, Danielzinho; Artur, Luciano, Cauly; Calleri

Sao Paulo enters Bogota as the rightful leaders of Group C, having amassed six points from two matches without conceding any goals in the Sudamericana. Saturday’s victory against Mirassol keeps the Tricolor in fine form, while Luciano’s current level of play makes the Sao Paulo attack a formidable force, even in away games.

Despite the advantages of playing at El Campin with home backing and altitude as supportive factors, Millonarios will step onto the pitch missing Falcao, their top goalkeeper, along with several other crucial players. With numerous absences and a streak of inconsistent league performance, Sao Paulo is expected to secure a win in this closely contested fixture.