The second leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 between Palmeiras (Brazil) and Universitario (Peru) will take place on August 22 at the Allianz Stadium in São Paulo. The first match ended 4-0 in favor of Palmeiras. Palmeiras vs. Universitario: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Palmeiras
Abel Ferreira's side has practically secured their place in the next round. After thrashing their opponents 4-0, the Brazilians extended their winning streak in the Copa Libertadores to seven matches. It should be noted that in six of these games, the team scored at least two goals. In the return leg, Palmeiras can even afford to lose by a three-goal margin. The club's only defeat in their last 26 matches in this tournament was by a minimal difference, and they haven't suffered a heavy loss since 1995.
- The Brazilians kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 Copa Libertadores matches.
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 5 of the team's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- Palmeiras is unbeaten in 24 home games in the Copa Libertadores (15 wins, 9 draws).
Predicted lineup for Palmeiras (4-5-1)
Weverton – Joaquín Piquerez, Agustín Hiai, Mikael dos Santos Silva, Gustavo Gomez – Emiliano Martinez, Mauricio, Lucas Evangelista, Victor Roque, Ramon Sosa – Jose Lopez.
Universitario
The defeat in the last match was the first for the Peruvians in their last five Copa Libertadores games (2 wins, 2 draws). To advance to the Round of 16, Universitario needs to win by at least a five-goal margin. However, the team has not scored more than one goal in their last 12 games in this tournament, and they have not achieved a big win in the Copa Libertadores in the 21st century. If Jorge Fossati's side beats the Brazilians by exactly four goals, the match will go to penalties.
- The club has conceded no more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
- The Peruvians have failed to win in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the Copa Libertadores (3 draws, 9 losses).
- In 11 of their last 13 away games in this tournament, Universitario conceded first.
Predicted lineup for Universitario (4-5-1)
Sebastian Britos – Williams Riveros, Aldo Corzo, Matias Di Benedetto, Cesar Inga – Andy Polo, Edison Flores, Martin Perez Guedes, Jairo Concha, Rodrigo Ureña – Alex Valera.
Defender Williams Riveros will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Piero Maza (Chile)
Matches – 16 (International matches, 2024 - 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 70;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 38%.
Palmeiras vs. Universitario: Match Prediction
I dare say there will be no miracle here. The Brazilians have secured a solid advantage, which would be difficult to overcome even for much stronger opponents than Universitario. The home team's coach will likely rotate the squad, giving the leaders some rest. This situation is unlikely to lead to another goal-scoring spectacle from Palmeiras. Additionally, the team has not scored more than two goals in 8 of their last 10 home matches in the Copa Libertadores. At the same time, Palmeiras has allowed very little at their own goal, conceding only 5 goals in their last 11 home games in this tournament.
The Peruvians understand the situation as well. Universitario has only scored five goals in the Copa Libertadores twice in their history. Currently, the team is struggling with scoring. Jorge Fossati's side has not scored more than one goal in this tournament, and in their last 13 away matches in the Copa Libertadores, they have scored only five times. I think the Peruvians will simply try not to repeat the result of the first match.
My prediction: Total under 3
