​2023 Copa do Brasil championsOn September 24, 2023, São Paulo drew 1-1 with Flamengo at MorumBIS, with a goal by Rodrigo Nestor, and, having won the first leg at the Maracanã 1-0 — with a goal by Calleri — was crowned champion of the 2023 Copa do Brasil, the club’s first title in this competition.In 2022, São Paulo went far, but their exciting campaign ended with a defeat to Flamengo in the semifinal, falling short, on that occasion, of matching the club’s best run up to then: the traumatic final played in 2000 against Cruzeiro.The 2023 tournament began on February 21, with a total of 92 teams, but Tricolor, thanks to its performance in the 2022 Brasileirão, entered in the third round of the competition, when 31 other teams remained, in April. The debut was against Ituano at MorumBIS — under coach Rogério Ceni — and the frustrating goalless draw at home was not the best of starts…São Paulo, now under Dorival Júnior, had to secure qualification away from home, in Itu. The winning goal came from Wellington Rato, in the 17th minute of the second half.In the round of 16, Tricolor went head-to-head with Sport, from Recife. Hardened by the narrow result in the previous round, São Paulo tried to settle the tie in the first match, away from home. São Paulo played well and won 2-0 at Ilha do Retiro, with goals from Luciano and Marcos Paulo, both in the second half.Photo: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriHowever, what the team achieved in Pernambuco was nearly thrown away at MorumBIS. Surprisingly, the visitors came from behind and beat Tricolor 3-1 (with the third goal coming in the 49th minute of the second half). The place in the next round was decided on penalties.Wellington Rato, Beraldo, Calleri, Rafinha and Pablo Maia converted their spot kicks, while Rafael saved Luciano Juba’s shot, sending São Paulo through 5-3 on penalties.Photo: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriAs the competition narrowed, the tournament draws lined up major opponents for Tricolor. In the quarterfinals, São Paulo faced Palmeiras — who had already been knocked out by the MorumBIS side in 2022. Repeating the previous season, São Paulo eliminated their rival, but unlike that year, in a much calmer fashion — without a penalty shootout.There were two wins: the first, at the biggest stadium in the city of São Paulo, 1-0, with a goal by Rafinha; the second, at the opponent’s ground, this time 2-1, coming from behind — goals by Caio Paulista and David (almost at the end of the match).Photo: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriPhoto: Rubens ChiriIn the semifinal, another derby — no easy path. São Paulo and Corinthians played two tightly contested Majestosos. At Corinthians’ arena, the home side managed to come out on top and win 2-1 (Luciano scored for Tricolor). But at MorumBIS, it was a different story.Just like Raí in the 1998 Paulista final against the same opponent, attacking midfielder Lucas, who had only shor