Palmeiras delivered a dominant performance in Lima, thrashing Universitario de Deportes 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. The relentless pace set by the Brazilian side proved too much for the Peruvian champions, strengthening their status as favorites to reclaim the continental crown.

The decisive second leg will be played on August 21 at Allianz Parque in São Paulo.

In front of over 50,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental, José Manuel “Flaco” López scored twice, while Gustavo Gómez — from the penalty spot — and Vítor Roque also found the net.

Back in the Libertadores Round of 16 for the first time in 15 years, Universitario’s return was short-lived. By the half-hour mark, Palmeiras were already 3-0 up, effectively killing the tie. Their hopes faded further when Paraguayan defender Williams Riveros was sent off in the second half.

The nightmare began early for the home side when Argentine referee Facundo Tello awarded Palmeiras a penalty after Matías Di Benedetto fouled Vítor Roque. Captain Gustavo Gómez converted with precision, extending Palmeiras’ remarkable run of just one defeat in their last 29 Libertadores matches.

Moments later, a combination between Roque and López resulted in the Argentine forward doubling the lead.

Universitario’s best chance came in the 26th minute, when Andy Polo delivered a perfect cross to Álex Valera, whose header struck the post. But any momentum was crushed five minutes later when Roque raced through on goal and fired past Sebastián Britos for 3-0.

The hosts pushed forward after the break, urged on by their fans, but frustration boiled over when Riveros kicked Gómez, earning a straight red card. With a man advantage, Palmeiras continued to press and in the 75th minute, Piquerez hit the post before López pounced on the rebound to make it 4-0.

Universitario’s goalkeeper prevented further damage with a late save, but the Peruvians now face a monumental challenge in São Paulo to overturn the deficit.