The 2003 season was São Paulo's 74th season since club's existence. In this year São Paulo became a runner-up of Campeonato Paulista, being defeated by rival Corinthians in finals. At the Copa do Brasil, national cup, reached the quarterfinals falling in front of Goiás due Away goal rule with 0–0 (away); 1–1 (home). The club arrived in third place final in the first time when Série A was disputed in accumulated points system. In his first participation in Copa Sudamericana reached semifinals losing to Argentine club River Plate in penalty shootouts for 2–4 in a match that had fights and aggressions between players of both teams. The featured of year was the stricker Luís Fabiano which scored 46 goals in whole season, 29 only in league.