Lucas shines at São Paulo and is specializing in deciding games.
On a bad night for Tricolor, the midfielder dribbled past several defenders at the end of the match against Coritiba, in the Copa do Brasil, and single-handedly decided the game; of the eight goals he scored in 2012, five were decisive.
Saopaulofc.com.br - With a precise shot, late in the game, Lucas scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Coritiba at Morumbi Stadium, in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. This season, the São Paulo player has specialized in scoring goals in this manner while wearing the Tricolor Paulista jersey.
Of the eight goals in 2012, five were, let's say, decisive. The first was against São Caetano. After losing Luis Fabiano during the game due to injury, Tricolor couldn't find spaces to score and the match remained tied at 1-1. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Lucas scored a beautiful shot from outside the area to seal the victory for São Paulo.
Also in the State Championship, a goal that made Morumbi stadium explode, just like it did against Coritiba. With one less player on the field, São Paulo was tied in the classic against Santos until the 41st minute of the second half. The number 7 took advantage of a rebound from the Santos defense and pushed the ball into the back of the net.
Before becoming a hero last Thursday, Lucas would still achieve other feats this year (see more below). With the goal, Tricolor will go to Curitiba with the advantage of playing for a draw to reach the final of the Copa do Brasil. For the number 7, this game will never leave his memory.
"There are games we'll never forget, and this one against Coritiba will certainly be one of them. It will never leave my mind. The whole team deserves congratulations for fighting until the last minute. We took the first step towards qualification, but there's still the second game," emphasized the attacking midfielder.
Having turned professional in 2010, Lucas has played 99 matches and scored 25 goals. Recently, in a press conference, he said he knew the level he had reached at the club and that he would be held accountable in crucial matches. Last Thursday night, at Morumbi Stadium, he proved he is ready for the pressure.
Check out Lucas's "saving" goals in 2012:
São Paulo 2 x 1 São Caetano
Fabuloso opened the scoring in the first half, but São Caetano quickly equalized. Still in the first half, the number 9 left the field due to injury. Struggling on the pitch, Tricolor couldn't find the winning goal. Lucas appeared to decide the game and scored a fantastic goal from outside the box.
Sao Paulo 3 x 2 Santos
Despite playing with one less player for much of the second half – Rodrigo Caio was sent off after eight minutes – São Paulo were tied in the derby until the 41st minute, when Lucas took advantage of a rebound from the Santos defense and scored the goal that secured the victory for São Paulo.
Ituano 2 x 4 São Paulo
Away from home, São Paulo went into halftime losing 2-0. After two goals from Rhodolfo, the Tricolor confirmed their comeback with a stunning goal from Lucas, from outside the box, in the 21st minute of the second half. Willian José would later score the team's fourth goal.
São Paulo 3 x 1 Ponte Preta
After losing 1-0 in Campinas, São Paulo fell behind again at Morumbi. Casemiro scored the team's first goal. And, before halftime, Lucas was quicker than goalkeeper Bruno Fuso and put São Paulo ahead. In the second half, Luis Fabiano also got on the scoresheet.
São Paulo 1 x 0 Coritiba
With Paulo Miranda's expulsion and Coritiba's good performance, the match seemed destined for a 0-0 draw. But, in the 43rd minute, Lucas took responsibility, surged forward with the ball and fired a low shot across goal to spark celebrations at Morumbi.