O’Higgins vs São Paulo – News and Probable Lineups

The Copa Sudamericana Group C matchup between O’Higgins and Sao Paulo is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. This match is crucial for determining the leading position in the group, with both teams currently ranking among the top in this section.

In their previous meeting, Sao Paulo secured a 2-0 victory at MorumBIS. However, the situation might change this time, as O’Higgins typically perform better at home, while the Brazilian team faces challenges due to injuries and an inconsistent away record, which may even the playing field.

Match overview

O’Higgins enters this match in second place in Group C, accumulating six points from two solid performances, including a 2-0 triumph over Millonarios in the first round. They have generally displayed a level of competitiveness that exceeds initial expectations.

The 2-0 defeat at MorumBIS remains their poorest showing to date, as they managed to maintain defensive structure but struggled with transitions, failing to cope with the early pressure from Sao Paulo. However, the insights gained from that match could prove beneficial in this encounter.

At Estadio El Teniente, O’Higgins typically adopt a more aggressive approach, pressing higher up the pitch and trying to establish dominance, bolstered by strong home support, making their home advantage likely to be pivotal.

Sao Paulo currently leads Group C with seven points, having achieved two victories and one draw, showing consistency in the Copa Sudamericana despite mixed results in other competitions. They have exhibited admirable poise throughout 2026.

Defensively, the Tricolor has been particularly formidable, ranking as one of the most solid teams in the tournament and yet to concede a goal, underlining their strong tactical organization and making their defense the cornerstone of their success.

Nevertheless, their away form is a concern; their record on the road—five wins, four draws, and six losses across 14 matches—is notably weaker compared to their performances at home. Moreover, they are on a run of three away matches without a victory, and a packed schedule could also affect their performance levels.

Nonetheless, Sao Paulo goes into this match as the favorites due to the overall quality of their squad and their positive momentum in this competition. A win could potentially put them on the verge of qualification.

Team News

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?? CONMEBOL Sudamericana Cup week! This Thursday in Rancagua we will face São Paulo in a very important match for Group C of the tournament? Let’s go O’Higgins! ??#VamosLaCeleste ?? pic.twitter.com/PlTqLuhoty

— O’Higgins FC ?? (@OHigginsoficial) May 4, 2026

O’Higgins come into this match with fewer injury worries compared to their opponents, yet they still have significant absentees in defense. Alan Robledo is undergoing treatment for a knee injury, Benjamín Schamine is nursing an ankle sprain, and Esteban Moreira is recovering from an adductor injury, leaving the defense as the main concern for head coach Lucas Bovaglio.

With these players unavailable, Luis Pavez is likely to remain at center-back alongside Garrido, while Bovaglio is expected to maintain a consistent lineup. In attack, the team is at full strength, with Francisco Gonzalez leading the charge at home.

On the other hand, Sao Paulo arrives in Rancagua with a number of absences, including Marcos Antonio, Alan Franco, Lucas Ramon, Lucas Moura—who is recuperating from a ruptured Achilles tendon—Pablo Maia, Rafael Toloi, and Ryan Francisco, with these injuries predominantly affecting their defense and midfield.

The situation has intensified due to further recent injuries, compelling Roger Machado to reorganize his squad. With so many key players missing—especially in defense—the team might struggle to find cohesion during a demanding away fixture, making it harder to secure a favorable outcome.

O’Higgins probable starting XI:

Carabalí; Faundez, Garrido, Pavez, Diaz; Maturana, Ogaz, Leiva; Sarrafiore, Gonzalez, Castillo

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Cedric, Franco, Sabino, Wendell; Bobadilla, Danielzinho; Artur, Luciano, Cauly; Calleri

Sao Paulo enters the match as the leaders of Group C with seven points, maintaining an unbeaten defensive record in the Copa Sudamericana, showcasing their solidity even in away encounters, while also holding the advantage from their earlier 2-0 victory.

Although O’Higgins enjoys home advantage, Sao Paulo possesses the structure and experience to manage the game effectively, and they could secure at least a draw, with a counter-attack or set-piece goal appearing to be the most probable route to a narrow 1-0 victory for the Brazilian team.