São Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho sent out an ambitious line-up that combined an untested combination of Adriano and Borges up front along with new signing Eder Luis but the Brazilians were soon pinned back by a busy Nacional midfield. The home side’s early pressure paid dividends when the São Paulo defence failed to clear a hopeful cross and David Córdoba headed the Colombians into a ninth-minute lead. The setback appeared to stir the visitors into action and São Paulo’s recently capped midfielders Hernandes and Richarlyson led the fightback, both going close with rasping shots. São Paulo did not have long to wait for an equalizer. Defender Miranda drew the Brazilians level when he above the Nacional defense to score with a towering header after 33 minutes. Nacional piled on the pressure in the second half as they went in search of a winning goal but São Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni was equal to anything thrown at him.
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