Sunday, May 18, 2025 – 01:00 (GMT)

São Paulo
São Paulo currently sit in sixth place but are without a win in their last three league matches. Last time out, they faced rivals Palmeiras in the Choque-Rei, where they suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat after a stoppage-time goal from Vitor Roque sealed the win for the visitors. In truth, Palmeiras dominated the match with more possession and more chances, and while São Paulo were disappointed by the timing of the goal, they couldn’t have too many complaints about the result.

Then in midweek, São Paulo hosted Libertad of Asunción in the Copa Libertadores and drew 1-1. Alisson was sent off early in the first half, and Libertad eventually took advantage in the 74th minute through Gustavo Aguilar. It looked like it was going to be a frustrating night for São Paulo, who had played the majority of the game a man down, but Lucca Marquez rescued a point late on.

Despite the draw, São Paulo have secured qualification to the last 16, which gives them the luxury of rotating the squad in their group-stage finale. For now, the focus shifts back to league action, where they’ll be aiming to climb the table. A win here would see them leapfrog Grêmio, who sit just one place above.

Grêmio
Grêmio will be desperately hoping to turn their form around, having won just one of their last ten matches in all competitions. It’s been a frustrating week for the Porto Alegre side, who were held to two 1-1 draws — one in the Brasileirão and one in the Copa Sudamericana.

First, they took on Bragantino in the league. Grêmio thought they had snatched a late winner when Francis Amuzu scored in the 87th minute, but just two minutes later, Isidro Pitta equalised for Bragantino, forcing Grêmio to settle for a draw at home.

Then in midweek, Grêmio hosted Godoy Cruz of Argentina in the Copa Sudamericana. Joao Pedro gave Grêmio an early lead, but Santino Andino equalised for the visitors in the 30th minute. Both sides created chances — Grêmio registered 18 shots to Godoy Cruz’s 16, but neither could find a winner in what was a fairly even contest.

Grêmio currently sit second in their group and are locked in a tight battle with Godoy Cruz for a place in the next round of the competition. While continental progress remains possible, the focus now shifts to improving their domestic form.

Prediction – São Paulo 1-1 Grêmio