Sao Paulo 0-0 Corinthians as Two Red Cards Fail to Produce a Winner

Sao Paulo and Corinthians drew 0-0 in Serie A, with Corinthians reduced to nine players but neither side finding a goal. The defining moments were M. Pereira’s red card in the 31st minute and Yuri Alberto’s dismissal in the 82nd, yet the score stayed level at full time.

Red cards change the contest without changing the score

M. Pereira was sent off after both teams had received a card in the 31st minute. Andre Ramalho and P. Milans were later booked for Corinthians, while Pedro Lima, Newton, Luciano and Ferreira were cautioned for Sao Paulo. Yuri Alberto’s 82nd-minute red card left Corinthians with nine players for the closing stages.

Sao Paulo had 52% possession and produced the higher expected-goals figure, 1.72 to Corinthians’ 1.24. However, Corinthians finished with more total shots, 18 to 16, and blocked eight attempts. Sao Paulo had five shots on goal to Corinthians’ four, while both goalkeepers made four saves.

Sao Paulo gain a point in the table

Sao Paulo went into the game #10 with 43 points and now have 44 from 34 matches, provisionally remaining #10. Corinthians went into the game #18 with 36 points and now have 37; their position depends on tie-breakers. Sao Paulo remain 7 points ahead. Rafael was the standout performer, rating 7.9 after making four saves.