Palmeiras will host Junior de Barranquilla in a decisive Copa Libertadores group stage match.
The Brazilian giants, coached by Abel Ferreira, have not yet secured qualification and will be under pressure at Allianz Parque to claim all three points.
Palmeiras’ Qualification Scenario
Palmeiras’ situation became more complicated after last week’s defeat to Cerro Porteño. The result allowed the Paraguayan side to take sole possession of first place in the group with 10 points. Palmeiras remain second with eight points, while Sporting Cristal are close behind with a realistic chance of advancing.
The club will also be keeping an eye on the simultaneous match between Cerro Porteño and Sporting Cristal in Paraguay. A victory would guarantee Palmeiras a spot in the knockout stage, but any stumble could turn the night into a stressful one.
Boost from Brasileirão and Sosa’s Return
Palmeiras head into the match after an impressive performance in the Brasileirão. The team earned a dominant 3-0 victory over Flamengo at the Maracanã, a result that strengthened their lead at the top of the Brazilian league standings.
Another major boost for the club could be the return of Paraguayan attacker Ramón Sosa. Sosa recently resumed full training after missing several matches through injury. The winger could see minutes and provide additional firepower to the squad.
Junior’s Copa Sudamericana Hopes
Junior de Barranquilla still cling to slim hopes of remaining alive in international competition. The Colombian side sits bottom of the group with four points, but a win in Brazil combined with a Sporting Cristal defeat would be enough to secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs.
Manager Alfredo Arias must also think about the upcoming Colombian league final against Atlético Nacional, which could lead to some rotation in the starting lineup.
Even so, Arias made it clear that his team will continue fighting on the international stage. Uruguayan defender Lucas Monzón returned to the squad after recovering from a muscle issue and could feature in São Paulo.
Match Details
- Palmeiras vs Junior de Barranquilla
- LIVE from 7:50 PM ET / 4:50 PM PT
- On beIN SPORTS
The Copa Libertadores group stage match reaches its decisive moment this Thursday.