São Paulo vs Cobresal Prediction: São Paulo is obliged to win

After a bitter start to the Copa Libertadores, with a 2-1 defeat against Talleres in Argentina, there's nothing left for São Paulo to do but win this game against Cobresal. The Chileans are bottom of the Primera División and have yet to win a game in 2024. Cobresal seems the ideal opponent for São Paulo to get its first win in Group B.

The Tricolor Paulista had a tough time in Argentina, which was somewhat expected, given Talleres' good form in a seven-game unbeaten run. São Paulo tried everything they could to get an equalizer, but a miraculous save by goalkeeper Herrera in the last minute of the game secured the win for the Argentinians. With the win over São Paulo and the draw in the following league match, the Córdoba side extended its unbeaten run to nine games. If the Brazilians want to finish at the top of the group, they must improve to overcome Talleres. Against Cobresal, São Paulo must take the three points, not least because the Chileans are in terrible form and haven't won since August.

After an excellent 2023 season culminating with a second-place finish in the Chilean league, Cobresal has yet to find its feet this season and is struggling in every match. The Miners are still without a victory in the league and failed to win in their first Copa Libertadores fixture, drawing 1-1 at home to Barcelona de Guayaquil. Cobresal's equalizer only came in the 91st minute through a penalty converted by Valencia. The Chileans will now go to São Paulo to pick up a point, but it will be a big surprise if they do.

São Paulo must win this match after losing the first game of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Cobresal has yet to win in 2024, and breaking the winless streak at the Morumbi would be outrageous. The Tricolor Paulista has a few casualties, such as Rafinha, Lucas Moura, and Wellington Rato, and there are still doubts over the use of Calleri, who has just recovered from injury. Even so, São Paulo should win the match. I'm backing the Brazilians to win with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.