Palmeiras vs Santos
Palmeiras are back in the Copa Libertadores final to seek their second title after losing to Boca Juniors in 2000. They beat River Plate 3-2 on aggregate in spite of having lost 2-0 at home in the return leg on 12th January. Last Tuesday, boss Abel Ferreira fielded an alternative XI and his team drew 1-1 at home against Vasco da Gama. O Verdao are fifth-placed in the Brazilian league table on 52 points, leading Fluminense (who are currently out of the Copa Libertadores’ spots) by two. Palmeiras managed a single victory in their last six matches in all competitions, drawing two and losing three.
Santos reached the final for the first time since 2003 and continue looking for their fourth Copa Libertadores’ title thanks to a 3-0 home success over Boca Juniors in the return leg of the semi-finals. The side also had league action on Tuesday, when a rotated XI lost 2-0 at Atletico Mineiro. After three consecutive defeats and with only six rounds to go, O Peixe dropped down to tenth place in the league table on 45 points, six behind Gremio (who are occupying the last Copa Libertadores berth so far).
A final is always hard to predict, but I think Santos gained some momentum after the 3-0 vs Boca and I like them to win the cup.