São Paulo vs. Millonarios – News and Probable Lineups

The MorumBIS will host a crucial Copa Sudamericana fixture on Wednesday morning, featuring Sao Paulo taking on Colombian side Millonarios.

The Tricolor enters this match without a win in their last six outings, yet they have been quite strong on the continental front, while Millonarios view the Sudamericana as their final opportunity to save a season that has already been marred by their exit from the Colombian championship.

Match overview

Wednesday’s encounter signifies a new chapter for Sao Paulo, as Dorival Junior returns for his third stint at the club after succeeding former head coach Roger Machado under considerable pressure.

Sao Paulo is currently in a tough period, as the Tricolor has not won in six matches, with three draws and three losses following their 1-0 win against Mirassol on April 25.

Their exit by Juventude in the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil on May 13 was the final straw for Roger Machado, who left after achieving just seven wins and four draws in a total of 17 matches.

Dorival’s return is surrounded by high expectations ahead of Wednesday’s clash, but the 64-year-old will have limited time to prepare. The Brazilian coach has less than 72 hours before facing Millonarios, which may hinder major adjustments to the team’s tactical setup.

Despite their recent difficulties, Sao Paulo has had a solid campaign in the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian team leads Group C with eight points and has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, showcasing their defensive strength as the Tricolor’s main asset.

Millonarios will make the trip to the MorumBIS facing pressure from recent performances and an early exit from the 2026 Liga BetPlay (the Colombian championship). The Copa Sudamericana has now become the primary goal for the Colombian team this season and a significant factor in the future of head coach Fabian Bustos.

The Colombian team displayed offensive prowess in their 4-2 win over Boston River in their last Sudamericana match on May 7, indicating they can elevate their game in more competitive situations.

Millonarios requires a positive result to remain in contention for the top position in Group C, currently sitting third in the standings, tied on seven points with second-placed O’Higgins. A victory could propel them to first place ahead of the final round, whereas a loss would severely diminish their chances of direct qualification for the round of 16.

Next, they face Sao Paulo, who view the midweek Sudamericana matchup as a chance to rebound from a challenging stretch, with increasing pressure from supporters, despite still being among the top four in the Brasileirao.

Team News

Sao Paulo continues to contend with numerous absences; however, there has been some positive news in the Brazilian camp lately.

Jonathan Calleri, who is the team’s top scorer with 11 goals this season, is expected to return, and Lucas Ramon is also available again after recovering from a muscle injury.

While Bobadilla is anticipated to rejoin the squad after being rested for the trip to Chile, Alan Franco, Rafael Toloi, Pablo Maia, Marcos Antonio, Luciano, Maik, and Lucas Moura all remain out due to injuries.

Veteran forward Lucas Moura is not likely to return until 2027 following surgery on his Achilles tendon, while Ryan Francisco has also been excluded due to a cruciate ligament injury.

On the Millonarios side, they are still without Juan Pereira, defender Sergio Mosquera, and veteran striker Radamel Falcao, who is a key figure in the Colombian team.

The 40-year-old forward sustained a facial fracture in a Clasico against America de Cali in April, and although there is hope around his recovery, the club is expected to exercise caution and not rush the veteran back in Sao Paulo.

Rodrigo Contreras has emerged as a standout performer for Millonarios, netting 12 goals this season, with four coming in the Copa Sudamericana, and the 30-year-old is expected to remain the focal point of their attack.

David Mackalister Silva is likely to take on the playmaking role in midfield once again, while Guillermo De Amores and Diego Novoa are competing for the starting goalkeeper position.

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Ramon, Doria, Sabino, Diaz; Bobadilla, Danielzinho; Artur, Souza, Wendell; Calleri

Millonarios probable starting XI:

Novoa; Sarabia, Llinas, Arias, Valencia; Urena, Garcia, Silva; Quintero, Castro, Contreras

Sao Paulo approaches the match with significant advantages, including home ground, proven defensive stability exhibited in the Sudamericana thus far, and the return of key attacker Calleri. Conversely, Millonarios enters the fixture under pressure to secure a result, especially after previously losing to the Tricolor on home turf in Colombia.

Sao Paulo will be hoping that Dorival Junior’s debut could be a turning point, aiding in the restoration of confidence as they look ahead for the remainder of the season, and it appears they could secure all three points given their defensive reliability and superior attacking capabilities.