Copa Sudamericana wrap: Sao Paulo draw at Catolica

Universidad Catolica and Sao Paulo played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana semi-final on Thursday.

Defender Rafael Toloi opened the scoring for Sao Paulo but Nicolas Castillo levelled proceedings for the hosts in the second half in Chile.

Catolica defeated Santiago Morning 3-1 on aggregate to reach the final four, while Sao Paulo proved far too strong for Universidad Chile over two legs, winning 7-0.

Ney Franco’s Brazilian outfit went into the match with just two losses in their last 16 competitive games and plenty of confidence.

And it was not long before they hit the front, netting the important away goal courtesy of Toloi’s 22nd-minute effort, his second in the competition.

Catolica huffed and puffed but were unable to make a breakthrough.

However, their persistence was rewarded with 20 minutes remaining as Castillo equalised, ensuring a fifth stalemate for the Chilean side in seven league and cup outings.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final between Argentina’s Tigre and Millonarios of Colombia resulted in a goalless draw.

The return legs are scheduled for November 29 and 30.