The Brazilian giants come into the title decider as the overwhelming favourites, not only because of their illustrious history or their star-studded squad but because of their outstanding form of late.
Sao Paulo, who advanced to the final of the competition after edging Universidad Catolica of Chile on the away goals rule last week, have won numerous local and international titles over the years, but one title that continues to elude them is the Copa Sudamericana.
Having won the Brazilian championship six times, the Copa Libertadores three times, the Intercontinental Cup twice and the FIFA Club World Cup once, Sao Paulo will make history by winning this competition.
Their chances of achieving this are rather high, as although Tigre have experienced a sensational Copa Sudamericana campaign, the Argentine minnows find themselves in 19th place of the 20-team Argentine First Division with only one victory out of 17 games.
Tigre, who will be making their first-ever appearance in a final of a major international competition, have definitely made a name for themselves since arriving at the Argentine top-flight after decades in the lower divisions, and will surely not want to miss out on the opportunity to make history.
The Argentines advanced to the final after eliminating Argentinos Juniors, Deportivo Quito, Cerro Porteno and Millonarios, where they showed their incredible fighting spirit despite at times not being at the same level of some of their opponents.
Meanwhile, Sao Paulo reached the title decider after wins over Bahia, Liga de Loja and Chilean sides Universidad de Chile and Universidad Catolica. In both the quarter and semi-finals, the Tricolor Paulista went through on the away goals rule.
Both Tigre and Sao Paulo will be able to count with full-strength squads for the match, meaning that it promises to be a mouthwatering encounter.
Sao Paulo, who boast the likes of Lucas Moura, Luis Fabiano, Rogerio Ceni, Denilson, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Jadson, will surely rate their chances of returning home with at least a point from the Argentine capital.
Instead of at Tigre's home venue, the Estadio Jose Dellagiovanna, the clash will be staged at Boca Juniors' legendary Bombonera stadium, because Tigre's home ground doesn't reach Conmebol's required minimum capacity of 40,000 for a final.
Tigre's last four matches
Dec 2, 2012: Belgrano 1-0 Tigre (Argentine First Division)
Nov 30, 2012: Millonarios 1-1 Tigre (Copa Sudamericana)
Nov 25, 2012: Tigre 2-0 Godoy Cruz (Argentine First Division)
Nov 23, 2012: Tigre 0-0 Millonarios (Copa Sudamericana)
Sao Paulo's last four matches
Dec 2, 2012: Sao Paulo 3-1 Corinthians (Brasileiro)
Nov 28, 2012: Sao Paulo 0-0 Universidad Catolica (Copa Sudamericana)
Nov 25, 2012: Ponte Preta 0-0 Sao Paulo (Brasileiro)
Nov 22, 2012: Universidad Catolica 1-1 Sao Paulo (Copa Sudamericana)
Facts
- Tigre have won just one out of 17 games in the Argentine First Division this season.
- Sao Paulo are unbeaten in their last eight Copa Sudamericana matches.
