Sao Paulo and Nacional will meet in an exciting duel of the Round of 16 of Copa Libertadores and the match will be played on Thursday, 22 August.
Will the hosts secure a win at home or will we see Nacional spoil their plans? Read our Sao Paulo vs Nacional prediction to learn more about the game, but remember to also take a peek at our other Copa Libertadores predictions.
Contents
Sao Paulo vs Nacional predictions: A low-scoring duel in sight
Key stats
- Sao Paulo have gone under 2.5 total goals in eight of their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Nacional have gone under 2.5 total goals in three of their previous four matches.
- Sao Paulo have won seven of their last eight home games across the board.
Correct score prediction: Sao Paulo 1-0 Nacional
With both teams doing great lately, we expect a close game and with most of their previous H2H duels ending with a low number of goals, we expect the same here, so a 1-0 win for Sao Paulo sounds reasonable given how great they've been at home this season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sao Paulo the more likely winners
- HOME: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.60%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.40%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.00%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
We can see from these Nacional vs Sao Paulo odds that the bookies see Sao Paulo as the expected winners, which is not a surprise given their recent form, especially at home.
That being said, Nacional are also in great form at the moment and they've been undefeated for nine games in a row, so we expect to see a very interesting match.
In any case, if you're looking for more of our picks, check out these betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: Sao Paulo dominating the matchup
Sao Paulo and Nacional have met five times before and Sao Paulo have won three of those games, along with two draw. Their last meetings before this ongoing tie were in 2008 in Copa Libertadores Round of 16, when Sao Paulo notched a win at home and drew in Uruguay.
Copa Libertadores 15/08/24
Nacional De Football
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo preview: Can they take the home-court advantage?
After five undefeated games in a row, Sao Paulo fell to Palmeiras over the weekend, but they're still having a great season overall since they're sixth in the Serie A standings right now and very close to reaching Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. To achieve this, they have to find a way to beat Nacional in the second leg at home.
When it comes to team news, Alisson Castro, Pablo Maia, Eric, and Patryck are out with injuries.
Predicted lineup: Rafael (GK), Rafinha, Arboleda, Franco, Welington, Bobadilla, Gustavo, Araujo, Luciano, Ferreira & Calleri
Brazil Serie A 11/05/25
L
Palmeiras
1
Sao Paulo
0
Copa Libertadores 06/05/25
W
Alianza Lima
0
Sao Paulo
2
Brazil Serie A 03/05/25
D
Fortaleza
0
Sao Paulo
0
Copa do Brasil 30/04/25
W
Nautico
1
Sao Paulo
2
Brazil Serie A 26/04/25
D
Ceara
1
Sao Paulo
1
Nacional preview: Can they continue their amazing run
In the last nine games, Nacional have won six times, including a win over Penarol in the final of the Torneo Indermedio playoffs, although for that win they had to go to penalties. All in all, Nacional are flying high right now and while they failed to beat Sao Paulo at home in the first leg of Copa Libertadores Round of 16, they can feel confident about their chances in Brazil too.
Meanwhile, Nacional will have to manage without injured Christian Ebere, Gonzalo Carneiro, and Renzo Sanchez in the first leg.
Predicted lineup: Mejia (GK), Lozano, Izquierdo, Polenta, Baez, Oliva, Galeano, Magole, Castro, Zabala & Santander
Copa Libertadores 07/05/25
W
EC Bahia
1
Nacional De Football
3
Uruguay Apertura 03/05/25
W
Cerro
0
Nacional De Football
4
Uruguay Apertura 26/04/25
W
Montevideo Wanderers
1
Nacional De Football
3
Copa Libertadores 23/04/25
D
Internacional
3
Nacional De Football
3
Uruguay Apertura 18/04/25
W
Miramar Misiones
1
Nacional De Football
3