Home / Sports / São Paulo Goalkeeper Rafael Leads Team to Libertadores Quarterfinals
São Paulo Goalkeeper Rafael Leads Team to Libertadores Quarterfinals
20 Aug
Summary
- São Paulo defeats Atlético Nacional 4-3 on penalties
- Goalkeeper Rafael saves first penalty, boosts team's confidence
- São Paulo qualified for Libertadores quarterfinals

Two weeks ago, on August 19th, 2025, São Paulo faced a tense moment in their quest for Libertadores glory. The Brazilian club traveled to Colombia to take on Atlético Nacional in the second leg of their round of 16 tie, with the aggregate score level at 1-1 after the first leg.
The match went all the way to a penalty shootout after the teams could not be separated in regular time. But São Paulo had a secret weapon in their goalkeeper, Rafael. The shot-stopper saved the Colombians' first penalty, giving his team the confidence to go on and win the shootout 4-3.
Rafael's heroics ensured São Paulo booked their place in the Libertadores quarterfinals, continuing their campaign for the prestigious South American title. The goalkeeper did not hide his joy at the achievement, praising his team's composure and the hard work they had put in during training for the penalty shootout.