Palmeiras vs Atletico MG Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa Libertadores

Prediction published on 20/09/2021, 16:10  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 20/09/2021 at 16:12 in Copa Libertadores Predictions

An all-Brazilian affair is lined up at the semi finals of the Copa Libertadores as Palmeiras host Atlético Mineiro in the first leg of the tie. These two sides occupy the top two slots in the Brazilian Serie A but here they put aside their domestic rivalries to seek continental glory. Palmeiras, the defending champs, eliminated another Brazilian side, Sao Paulo in the quarters. They have ceded a lot of ground in Serie A, and are seven points behind Atletico Mineiro, which should motivate them to go for a win here. That will call for a lot though, having lost in the last two matches against Atletico Mineiro. Palmeiras warmed up for this game with a 2-0 win over Chapecoense, but that is their only clean sheet in the last four matches. They’ve failed to score in just one of the last five matches and with just one loss and eight wins in 10 Libertadores matches, they will feel confident going here. In the last three Copa Libertadores matches at home, Palmeiras have managed straight wins and clean sheets in them all.

Atletico Mineiro are comfortably in the lead in Serie A and feel they can go for a treble, with the Brazilian Cup also in their sights. It is a good season so far for the visitors and they head here unbeaten in 10 matches, having won eight. They have just one loss in the last 21 matches, that having come in the Brazilian Cup, against Bahia. They have three straight clean sheets ahead of this game, having beaten Sport Recife 3-0 in their last match, and they have six straight clean sheets in the Copa Libertadores. In the quarters, Atletico Mineiro eliminated River Plate after home and away wins over the Argentines and they go to this clash on a very strong footing. Former Spain international Diego Costa has settled in well and has two goals in three games already. He is doing well in a partnership with returnee Hulk while Chilean Eduardo Vargas is also offering a great option in attack.