São Paulo Draws 1-1 with Bolívar in Sudamericana First Leg
In a thrilling match played in La Paz, Bolivia, São Paulo managed a 1-1 draw against Bolívar on Tuesday (11) during the first leg of the 2026 Conmebol Sudamericana round of 16, despite the daunting altitude of nearly 4,000 meters.
The Tricolor Paulista demonstrated a solid performance on the field, taking the lead with a goal from Arboleda in the first half. This marked the Ecuadorian center back’s first goal since returning to the club mid-season, having previously left but was re-signed with the support of director Rafinha.
However, São Paulo could not maintain their advantage, as Bolívar equalized under pressure. The equalizing goal came in a typical fashion for high-altitude matches: a long-range shot that exploited the lighter weight of the ball at such elevations.
😡 Controversy over the new rules
This match also featured the enforcement of new rules from Conmebol governing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among these rules, goalkeepers are now allowed only five seconds to restart play from a goal kick. If they exceed this time limit, the opposing team is rewarded a corner kick.
Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán strictly applied these new regulations, which sparked frustration among players and São Paulo fans alike.
FIFA’s new rule is set to take effect in CBF competitions as well.
🚦 How it stands
With this result, the upcoming match next Tuesday (18) at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at MorumBIS will determine which team advances to the Sudamericana quarterfinals. Should the game end in another draw, the winner will be decided by penalties.
In the meantime, São Paulo is scheduled to face Coritiba at MorumBIS at 9 p.m. Brasília time in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.
At nearly 4,000 meters above sea level in La Paz, Bolivia, São Paulo drew 1-1 with Bolívar this Tuesday (11) in the first leg of the 2026 Conmebol Sudamericana round of 16.
Tricolor Paulista was well organized on the pitch and took the lead through Arboleda in the first half.
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It was the Ecuadorian center back’s first goal after leaving the club midway through the season, only to be brought back into the squad after being “backed” by director Rafinha.
However, despite a solid first half, São Paulo could not withstand the opponent’s pressure.
Bolívar’s goal, in fact, came in the most “common” way in high-altitude matches: a long-range shot, taking advantage of the difference in the ball’s “weight.”
😡 Controversy over the new rules
Conmebol has put the rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup into effect, which, among other measures, give goalkeepers only 5 seconds to restart play from a goal kick.
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If they take longer than five seconds, the opposing team is awarded a corner.
Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán strictly enforced the new rules and angered both the players and São Paulo fans.
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FIFA’s new rule will also be implemented in CBF competitions.
🚦 How it stands
With the result, whoever wins next Tuesday (18) at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at MorumBIS will advance to the Sudamericana quarterfinals.
If it ends in another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.
Before that, however, São Paulo hosts Coritiba at MorumBIS at 9 p.m. Brasília time in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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