Atletico Mineiro vs Palmeiras

 

A penalty netted by Hulk in the 79th minute allowed Atletico Mineiro to claim a hard-fought 1-0 home success over Emelec in the return leg of the round of 16 and make it 2-1 on aggregate to advance. Last Sunday, the team succumbed to a 3-0 away defeat at Internacional SC, which means they have been winless in the last three competitive games, drawing one and losing two. As a result, O Galo are now seventh-placed in the Brazilian league table on 32 points after 20 rounds, one behind their last opponents who are now occupying the last Copa Libertadores berth. Atletico Mineiro also lost their last home game (2-1 against Corinthians), which broke their seven-game unbeaten streak of five victories and two draws as hosts.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras found it easier. The defending champions beat Cerro Porteno 5-0 at home in the first leg and 8-0 on aggregate to continue on their fight to lift the third consecutive Copa Libertadores title. The team are also leaders in the Brazilian league table with 42 points in 20 matches (three above Corinthians) after beating Ceara SC 2-1 away. That result also extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches in regular time (winning six and drawing one even though they lost to Sao Paulo on penalties after beating them 2-1 at home in the national cup). On away turf, O Verdao haven’t lost any of the last five (three victories and two draws).

Palmeiras won the last two editions of this tournament and are definitely looking like the main candidates to win it again. They come to the Quarterfinals in great form and I think they shouldn’t lose against this Atletico Mineiro that changed coach recently.

BET: Palmeiras DNB @ 2.05