Universitario de Deportes secured their spot in the knockouts by finishing second in a fiercely competitive group featuring River Plate, Independiente del Valle, and Barcelona SC, amassing eight points. Their return to this stage after a 15-year absence has energized the squad, who are determined to make a statement against a heavyweight opponent. However, their preparations have been challenged by the continued absence of veteran striker Diego Churín, sidelined with a muscle injury since June, creating a void in their attacking line-up.
On the other hand, Palmeiras have lived up to their billing as three-time Copa Libertadores champions, breezing through their group with six wins from six matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just four. The Verdão, who last lifted the trophy in 2021, also recently bounced back from a disappointing spell with a vital 2-1 win over Ceará. Despite carrying a number of injury concerns—midfielder Raphael Veiga (groin), defender Bruno Fuchs (thigh), Paulinho (shin), Figueiredo (cruciate ligament), and Bruno Rodrigues (knee)—Abel Ferreira’s squad remains deep and competitive. Their early Copa do Brasil exit now gives them the freedom to focus entirely on chasing more continental glory.
The head-to-head record heavily favors Palmeiras, who convincingly beat Universitario 6-0 in São Paulo and secured a 3-2 win in Lima during their 2021 title campaign. The winner of this match will go on to face either Libertad Asunción or River Plate in the quarter-finals.
Universitario’s recent form has been impressive, with the team topping their domestic table and showing resilience with a string of positive results, including a 3-1 victory over Atletico Grau and a narrow 1-0 win against Sport Boys. Meanwhile, Palmeiras have shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistency, winning tight games such as their 1-0 triumph over Gremio, but also suffering a few setbacks in league play.
For fans in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN Sports, ViX, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi. Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, though injury absences could play a role in determining the outcome. Given Palmeiras’ pedigree and recent record, they enter as favorites, but Universitario’s renewed confidence and home advantage could make this a closer contest than many expect.
For more on team updates and live match coverage, follow the official Universitario de Deportes and Palmeiras Twitter account.