Palmeiras (Brazil) vs Atletico Mineiro (Brazil)
Palmeiras came from behind to secure a valuable 2-2 away draw at Atletico Mineiro last Wednesday after trailing 2-0 at one point. Now they need to win at home in order to keep fighting for their third Copa Libertadores crown. On Sunday, the team beat Goias 3-0 at home to open a six-point gap over second-placed Corinthians at the top of the Brazilian league table (45 to 39). O Verdao are on nine matches unbeaten in all competitions, having won seven and drawn two in regular time. At home, they won the last five in a row.
Atletico Mineiro wasted a 2-0 lead at home and following their 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, now they need to avoid the defeat on the road to keep their hopes alive. On Sunday, the side also lost 3-2 at home to Athletico Paranaense, wasting the big chance of climbing into one of the Copa Libertadores places in the Brazilian league table: O Galo are seventh-placed on 32 points, one behind Internacional (who occupy the last qualifying berth). Atletico are on five competitive matches without a win, drawing two and losing three in that spell. On away turf, they won only one of the last four, along with one stalemate and two losses.
The back to back champions Palmeiras are the main candidates to win this edition, and they should be able to win here and advance to the semifinals.