Author: Vishwajit Sawant
São Paulo Futebol Clube have announced an important addition to their squad for the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. On Monday, the club revealed that Lucas Moura and James Rodríguez have been added to the squad for this crucial stage of the tournament, giving coach Dorival Júnior valuable options for the upcoming clashes against Ecuadorian side LDU.
Lucas Moura, a former São Paulo player and one of the main names in the club’s successful campaign in 2012, returns to the continental competition wearing the iconic number 7 shirt. This number has a special meaning for Lucas, as it was used during the triumphant journey more than a decade ago. To accommodate this change, Alisson, who previously wore number 7, will now wear number 25, while James Rodríguez will wear number 19.
The quarter-final battle begins with the first leg scheduled for Thursday (24) at 7pm at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito, where São Paulo face LDU. The second leg is scheduled for August 31, also on a Thursday, at 7pm, at the renowned Morumbi stadium.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this match guarantees a place in the semi-finals, where they will face the winner between Botafogo and Defensa y Justicia of Argentina. With the addition of two talented players such as Lucas Moura and James Rodríguez, São Paulo’s prospects are undoubtedly better as they strive to progress further in the Copa Sudamericana and seek continental glory once again. Fans are eagerly awaiting these clashes, which promise to provide intense soccer action and captivating moments on the pitch.