Palmeiras have practically everything set to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. This Thursday, at the Allianz Parque, Abel Ferreira’s side will host Universitario de Deportes, who arrive demoralized after a 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Lima. With one foot out of the tournament, the Peruvian side needs a miracle to overturn the series.

Palmeiras focused on qualification and rotation

The first leg left little room for surprises. With goals from Vitor Roque and José Manuel ‘Flaco’ López, plus total dominance throughout the 90 minutes, the Verdão silenced the Estadio Monumental and virtually killed off the tie. Now, at home and backed by their fans, the Brazilians will look to seal qualification without complications.

The big advantage also allows Abel Ferreira to rotate his squad. The Portuguese coach is considering resting several key players, given that last Sunday they faced Botafogo in the Brasileirão, where they currently sit second with 39 points and two games in hand. Players such as Luighi and Facu Torres could start, replacing regular starters like Vitor Roque or Maurício.

Beyond rotations, reaching the quarter-finals would provide a breath of fresh air amid weeks of tension with supporters, who have been demanding higher competitiveness from the team.

Universitario seek a miracle in Brazil

On the other side, the “U” face one of the toughest nights in their recent Libertadores history. The Peruvian side not only have to overturn a four-goal deficit, but they also travel with significant absences. Paraguayan defender William Riveros is suspended after being sent off in the first leg, while Chilean midfielder Rodrigo Ureña is out with a muscle injury.

With those absences, the crema coach will have to rely on his most competitive XI available, banking on defensive order and composure to withstand the pressure of a packed Allianz Parque. The feat seems improbable, but in football, nothing is ever written in stone.

The winner of this series will face either River Plate or Libertad in the quarter-finals, with that tie still wide open after a 0-0 draw in Asunción.