Atletico Paranaense vs PalmeirasÂ
Athletico Paranaense returned to the Copa Libertadores top four (first time since 2005) thanks to a massive 1-0 away success at Estudiantes in a controversial game, with Victor Roque scoring the winner in stoppage time (to make it 1-0 on aggregate). However, O Furacao are winless in four matches since then, drawing two and losing two: last Saturday, they drew 0-0 away at Ceara SC to remain occupying sixth spot in the Brazilian league table (the last Copa Libertadores spot) on 42 points after 24 rounds. At home, Athletico lost only one of their last 17 matches (winning 11 and drawing five).
Meanwhile, Palmeiras continue looking for their third consecutive title in the Copa Libertadores: in a thrilling game, they beat Atletico Mineiro on penalties following a 0-0 home draw after playing with ten men at one point. Last Saturday, they settled for a 1-1 away draw at Fluminense to make it 50 points in the Brasileirao table and hold a seven-point gap over second-placed Flamengo. O Verdao are on 13 matches unbeaten in regular time, winning eight and drawing five. On the road, Palmeiras haven’t lost any of the last eight (four victories and four stalemates).
First semifinal between these two teams that know each other too well. Atletico are just lucky to be here after beating Estudiantes in the last minute of a game they should have lost, so while Palmeiras might not be as strong as in their last two championship runs I think they should take this 1st leg.