When Raí stepped onto the stage at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, his eyes were already on São Paulo FC and the daunting task that awaited them at the Morumbi Stadium on September 25, 2025.
The former captain, a two‑time Libertadores champion, told TNT Sports that the club’s rich history in the competition could be the secret sauce for a comeback against Liga de Quito. The quarter‑final second leg, part of the Copa Libertadores 2025Morumbi Stadium, required the hosts to win by at least two goals to force penalties, three to go straight through.
Why the Libertadores feels like home for São Paulo
Back in 1992, Raí scored the decisive goal against Newell’s Old Boys and then slotted a penalty in front of a sea of 120,000 fans, cementing his legend. A year later he lifted the trophy again, turning São Paulo into a continental powerhouse. That memory, he says, lives in the club’s DNA. "A Liberta é íntima do São Paulo," he said, reminding listeners that the team has already won three times and often exceeds expectations when the pressure is on.
That historic swagger is why many still believe a two‑goal swing is possible, even when the odds look bleak. The club’s average attendance this season dropped to 12,314 for the next home match—a stark contrast to the roaring crowds of the early ’90s—yet those die‑hard supporters cling to the belief that tradition can spark a miracle.
Quarter‑final showdown: the numbers and the stakes
In the first leg in Quito, LDU slipped a 2‑0 advantage past São Paulo, with a 73rd‑minute header that left the Tricolores shell‑shocked. Statistically, overturning a two‑goal deficit at home happens in roughly 12% of Libertadores ties, according to a 2022 CONMEBOL analysis. Still, club president Julio Casares refused to count the team out, citing the "brio" that Raí mentioned.
Paramount+ aired an eight‑hour pre‑game show, and the Arquibancada Tricolor YouTube channel offered live narration, showing the media blitz surrounding the match. Yet despite the hype, São Paulo fell 1‑0 to Ceará on September 29, a loss that left the team seventh in the Brasileirão, trailing rivals Bahia, Botafogo, and Mirassol in the coveted Libertadores spots.
Inside the club: coaching churn and financial strain
Since winning the Copa do Brasil in 2023 under Dorival Júnior, the club has shuffled coaches three times. Each change brought a new tactical tweak, but the lack of continuity has cost points. Casares, in a recent statement, apologized to the 20‑million‑strong fanbase and outlined a financial restructuring plan aimed at stabilizing cash flow and meeting salary obligations.
Financial analysts note that São Paulo’s debt rose to roughly R$1.3 billion in the last fiscal year, a figure that dwarfs the club’s average annual revenue of R$850 million. The board hopes that a deeper run in the Libertadores would have boosted TV rights and sponsorships, but the early exit means those projected earnings evaporated.
What’s next? Looking beyond the 2025 season
With the Libertadores door closed, the focus shifts to securing a top‑four finish in the league to guarantee a spot next year. The coaching staff, now under the guidance of Dorival Júnior again after his reinstatement, is emphasizing a more defensive solidity, hoping to turn the 1‑0 loss to Ceará into a learning moment.
Fans remain hopeful that the club’s storied past, echoed by Raí’s words, will eventually translate into a resurgence. "O momento é difícil, mas acho que o São Paulo tem time, orgulho e tradição," Raí told the press, leaving the door open for a future revival.
Key takeaways
- Raí believes São Paulo’s Libertadores heritage can fuel a comeback.
- The club needs a three‑goal win to advance; a two‑goal margin forces penalties.
- Financial woes and coaching turnover have hampered performance.
- São Paulo sits seventh in the Brasileirão, fighting for a 2026 Libertadores spot.
- President Julio Casares promises restructuring to protect the club’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could São Paulo have advanced despite the 2‑0 first‑leg loss?
A two‑goal home victory would have forced extra time and a penalty shoot‑out, while a three‑goal win would have sent them straight to the semifinals. The margin needed stems from CONMEBOL’s two‑leg aggregate rule.
What financial challenges is São Paulo facing?
The club’s debt topped R$1.3 billion last year, outpacing its annual revenue. Reduced match‑day income and missed continental prize money have tightened cash flow, prompting President Casares to announce a restructuring plan.
Why is Raí’s opinion considered influential?
Raí captained São Paulo to back‑to‑back Libertadores titles in 1992 and 1993, scoring pivotal goals. His legacy and status as a club icon give weight to any public statement about the team’s prospects.
What impact did the early Libertadores exit have on the fanbase?
Attendance dropped to just over 12,000 for the next home game—a stark decline from the stadium’s 60,000‑plus average during successful campaigns—highlighting fans’ frustration and dwindling confidence.
What are São Paulo’s realistic goals for the remainder of the 2025 season?
The immediate aim is to climb into the top four of the Brasileirão to secure a 2026 Libertadores berth, while stabilizing finances and solidifying the squad under Dorival Júnior’s leadership.
