Palmeiras (Brazil) vs Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
Palmeiras took the first step towards another international title last Wednesday, when beating Defensa y Justicia 2-1 away with Rony and Gustavo Scarpa finding the back of the net. On Sunday, the team lost on penalties to Flamengo after a 2-2 draw in the Brazilian Supercup. They also are involved in the Sao Paulo State Championship, having registered two victories and two stalemates so far. Abel Ferreira’s men are on eight matches without defeat in all competitions (five wins and three draws in regular time). At home, they haven’t lost any of the last ten, winning six and drawing four since River Plate beat them 2-0 in January. However, Wednesday’s game will take place in Brasilia.
Defensa y Justicia showed a great display of effort but ended up losing 2-1 at home to Palmeiras and will need to win in Brazil at least to lead the game to a penalty shootout (the away goals rule doesn’t apply in this competition). Last Saturday, El Halcon drew against Talleres 2-2 at home with a completely alternative XI. They managed 12 points in nine rounds in the Copa Liga Profesional and are trailing fourth-placed Boca Juniors by one. Defensa are on four games without a win in all competitions (two draws and two defeats) and have not won any of their last seven on away turf (drawing three and losing four since beating Union Santa Fe 3-1 in December 2020).
Same as last week I have to expect an open game here with Defensa in a must win situation and Palmeiras and their attacking power ready to answer on counters.