São Paulo Football Club has transformed its fortunes at Athletico Paranaense’s Ligga Arena, where for 36 years the team struggled to secure a victory. This long-standing curse was finally broken in 2018, and since then, the Tricolor has turned the venue into a place of success.
Between 1982 and 2018, São Paulo failed to win a single match against Athletico Paranaense in Curitiba. The Arena da Baixada, which opened in 1999, became notorious for being a stronghold for the home team, and from 2011 to 2018, São Paulo experienced a frustrating run of five consecutive defeats without even drawing a game.
The turning point came on July 9, 2018, when São Paulo, under coach Diego Aguirre, secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty converted by Nenê, ending decades of disappointment at the Arena. Since this historic win, São Paulo’s results have dramatically improved; in their last seven matches at the Arena, the team has won four, drawn two, and lost just once.
Notably, that lone defeat occurred in July 2022 when São Paulo fielded a mixed squad, prioritizing other competitions.
Now, the team is focused on advancing to the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil during a crucial match on August 6. After a 2-1 victory at home in the first leg, São Paulo only needs a draw to secure their progression in the tournament and continue their pursuit of a second consecutive championship.
This remarkable turnaround in São Paulo’s performance at the Ligga Arena is a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability, marking an encouraging chapter for supporters looking ahead to the Copa do Brasil and future championships.