São Paulo participated in the continental tournament, Copa Libertadores, returning to the most important South American competition following a two-year absence, in a spot by the title of Copa Sudamericana won in the previous year and by the qualifying group of national league with a 4th position reached in the end of competition.

Before long the club went to Japan to compete the Suruga Bank Championship and over again was defeated by opponent in a single match result: 2–3.

In participation of Copa Libertadores the team advanced the first and second stages but was eliminated on the round of 16 by the club which would be champion that year, Atlético Mineiro, with two negative results (1–2 home; 1–4 away).

Due to the negative campaign Tricolor remained on the relegated group for 11 rounds achieving the 9th position on the end of season by recovery at the second half of championship after the return of notable coach Muricy Ramalho who trained São Paulo in two previous opportunities reaching 4 titles including an historical sequence of 3 titles in national league.

After Muricy Ramalho's arrival the team improved the average of points earned, reaching the fourth position in second half of league.

In the end of season São Paulo play the Copa Sudamericana by defend of the title won in the previous edition, however the team was defeated in semi-finals by another paulista club Ponte Preta with (1-3 home; 1–1 away).