2007 Memories: How São Paulo beat Grêmio on the road to the title
Looking back at São Paulo's historic 2-0 victory over Grêmio in 2007, a result that sent the club to the top of the league table.
On August 5, 2007, during the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship, São Paulo traveled to the Estádio Olímpico to face Grêmio in a match that would prove pivotal for their campaign. Under the strict guidance of manager Muricy Ramalho, the team was in the process of cementing a legacy of defensive dominance.
The visitors silenced the crowd of over 23,000 early when striker Borges converted a precise cross just two minutes into the game. This early lead allowed the São Paulo defensive trio of Breno, Miranda, and Alex Silva to showcase their tactical discipline, effectively neutralizing the threats from the hosts.
Grêmio, managed by Mano Menezes, pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but the São Paulo defense remained impassable. As the match approached the final whistle and the hosts committed more men to the attack, Diego Tardelli — who had come off the bench — secured the win. His powerful long-range strike in the 42nd minute sealed the 2-0 final score.
This victory was significant, as it propelled São Paulo to the top of the Brasileirão standings. The team would not relinquish that lead for the remainder of the tournament, eventually securing their fifth Brazilian league title.