Palmeiras (Brazil) vs Flamengo (Brazil)
SE Palmeiras achieved what had seemed impossible a month ago, defeating LDU Quito 4–0 at home to overturn the aggregate score and win 4–3, thus advancing to the seventh Copa Libertadores final in their history (they have won three and lost three). Last Tuesday, Abel Ferreira’s side — which featured heavy rotation — lost 3–2 away to Grêmio FBPA and hurt their chances in the Brasileirao: O Verdão dropped to second place with 70 points after 36 rounds, five behind leaders CR Flamengo with only two matches remaining. In fact, Palmeiras are winless in their last five matches (two draws and three losses). Weverton, Lucas Evangelista, and Paulinho remain sidelined with injuries.
CR Flamengo suffered more than usual but did what was needed to protect the 0–0 draw they required in their visit to Racing Club, holding on to the 1–0 advantage from the first leg to reach the Copa Libertadores final for the fifth time in their history (three-time champions). Last Tuesday, with a rotated lineup, they earned a valuable 1–1 draw away to Atlético Mineiro, reaching 75 points in the Brasileirao and moving to the brink of the title (they hold a five-point lead over second-placed SE Palmeiras with two rounds remaining). O Rubro-Negro have lost only one of their last eight matches in all competitions (they have won four and drawn three). Gonzalo Plata is suspended after his red card against Racing Club, and Pedro remains sidelined with an injury.
In this meeting between two of the best teams of the last decade I rate Flamengo as being in better form. They are very close to win the Brasileirao, and I can’t see them missing the opportunity of winning their 4th Libertadores after eliminating a very tough rival like Racing, so I’ll take them at this high odds.