The first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 between Universitario (Peru) and Palmeiras (Brazil) will take place on August 15 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima. Universitario vs. Palmeiras: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Universitario
The Peruvians advanced to the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group B. Jorge Fossati's men remained unbeaten in 4 of their 6 matches (2 wins, 2 draws) and edged out their nearest rival only on goal difference. However, the team scored just 4 goals – the lowest tally among all playoff participants. In the previous Copa Libertadores, Universitario finished last in Group D, and they haven't reached the Round of 16 since the 2010 season.
During this transfer window, the team signed midfielder Jesus Castillo.
- The team has not won in 9 of their last 11 Copa Libertadores matches (4 draws, 5 losses).
- In their last 6 games in this tournament, the Peruvians have not scored more than once.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of Universitario's last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
Predicted lineup for Universitario (3-4-3)
Sebastian Britos – Williams Riveros, Anderson Santamaria, Matias di Benedetto – Andy Polo, Cesar Inga, Rodrigo Ureña, Martin Perez Guedes – Alex Valera, Jose Rivera, Jairo Concha.
Palmeiras
Abel Ferreira's side was the only team to win all their group matches. Furthermore, they kept clean sheets in 4 games and, with 17 goals, boasted the best attack. Palmeiras has reached the Round of 16 for the ninth consecutive time, winning the tournament twice during this period. However, in the last Copa Libertadores, they did not progress beyond this stage.
New signings include defender Kelvin and forward Ramon Sosa. However, there are significant departures – midfielder Richard Rios joined Benfica, and forward Estevan moved to Chelsea.
- The Brazilians scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
- Away from home in this tournament, the team won 9 of their last 12 games (2 draws, 1 loss).
- In 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras conceded at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Palmeiras (4-5-1)
Weverton – Joaquin Piquerez, Agustin Hiai, Mikael dos Santos Silva, Gustavo Gomez – Anibal Moreno, Mauricio, Lucas Evangelista, Facundo Torres, Ramon Sosa – Vitor Roque.
Midfielder Raphael Veiga is injured.
Referee
Facundo Tello (Argentina)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024-2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 27%.
Match Prediction: Universitario vs. Palmeiras
The Peruvians began the group stage with two defeats and without scoring. However, Jorge Fossati's men improved their finishing, and now they have a four-match scoring streak in the Copa Libertadores. At home, the club takes advantage of the high altitude and regularly finds the back of the net: Universitario has scored in 10 of their last 13 matches in this tournament. Nevertheless, they also concede regularly, albeit not heavily – in 10 of their last 11 home games in the Copa Libertadores.
The most prolific team of the group stage should have no trouble finding paths to the goal. Moreover, Palmeiras has scored in their last 7 away Copa Libertadores matches, finding the net at least twice in 5 of those games. However, their focus on attack has affected their defense, as Abel Ferreira's men have conceded 8 goals in their last 6 away matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
