Palmeiras (Brazil) vs River Plate (Argentina)
Palmeiras are close to qualifying to a Copa Libertadores’ final for the first time since 2000  following their 3-0 away victory against River Plate at Independiente. They would advance even losing by a two-goal difference at home on Tuesday. Last Saturday, coach Abel Ferreira rested their regulars and the side won 1-0 at Sport Recife. O Verdao remain occupying sixth spot in the Brazilian league table (the last Copa Libertadores’ berth), four points above Fluminense. Palmeiras are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, drawing one and winning the last four. At home, they haven’t lost any of the last 11, with ten successes and one draw.
Meanwhile, River Plate are hoping for a miracle after their heartbreaking 3-0 home defeat against Palmeiras last Tuesday. To make matters worse, they also lost 2-0 against Independiente (playing as hosts at Banfield) last Saturday, which knocked them out of the Copa Liga Profesional. That made it three winless games in all competitions (having drawn in the Superclasico on January 2nd). However, they are on ten matches unbeaten on away turf (six victories and four draws).
River Plate will put up a good fight, but Palmeiras are tough to beat at their own stadium and they should be full of confidence after last week’s huge win.