Deportivo Pereira will host Palmeiras in the quarterfinal of the Copa Libertadores on Thursday. With a berth in the semifinal matchup against Boca Juniors or Racing Club on the line, both of these teams enter this game on the heels of strong victories in their respective domestic leagues.
Preview (Deportivo Pereira vs Palmeiras)
Deportivo Pereira has made enormous progress since returning to Primera A in the 2020 season. Last season will go down in the club’s annals as one of their most successful and memorable. Deportivo Pereira reached its first Primera A title final, where they defeated Independiente Medellin 4-3. They did so under the direction of Alejandro Restrepo, who succeeded Alexis Marquez in 2022. Deportivo are now participating in their inaugural Copa Libertadores campaign. They have displayed outstanding tenacity thus far, placing second in Group F behind Boca Juniors. They finished with a record of two wins, two draws, and two losses in their six games.
The hosts did manage to defeat Independiente Valle 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round. Their domestic play has fallen short of their cup performance. They are now sitting in 14th place in Primera A. They went three games without a victory at the beginning of August. Now they have earned back-to-back victories in their past two contests.
In contrast, Palmeiras enters this game as the overwhelming favorite to not just win the match but also the entire tournament, with most bookies presently giving them a 3/1 chance to take home the title.After a four-year hiatus, the Brazilian team regained the top spot in the Brazilian Serie A last season and won the competition with three games remaining after defeating Internacional by eight points. Abel Ferreira’s team finished the season with 23 victories from their 38 games, 12 draws, and only three losses. They also had the greatest goal total with 66 goals and the fewest goals conceded with 27.
Team News
Adrian Balboa scored twice in the hosts’ previous game against Jaguares de Cordoba, and he and Angelo Rodriguez should both continue to attack in this one. Carlos Ramirez, who left the field early in the previous game as a precaution, is anticipated to rejoin the defense, with Carlos Garces and Geisson Perea likely completing the three-at-the-back configuration. Due to calf and thigh injuries, respectively, midfielders Dudu and Gabriel Menino, who have each scored three goals this season, will not be available for Ferreira.
The sole long-term absence for the visitors is Luis Guilherme, who has yet to play this season. He is anticipated to be out until at least next month. The visitors are in excellent form going into this game, especially on defense where they have recorded three straight clean sheets. They are predicted to go to the next round, and we predict that they will leave this vital first leg with at least a two-goal advantage.
Deportivo Pereira 0 – 2 Palmeiras
For more football previews, click here
