The second leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 quarter-finals between Palmeiras (Brazil) and River Plate (Argentina) will take place on September 25 at the Allianz Stadium in São Paulo. The first match ended 2-1 in favor of Palmeiras. Palmeiras vs. River Plate: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Palmeiras
Abel Ferreira's side defeated River Plate 2-1 in the first leg. This victory marked the eighth win in nine matches in the current Copa Libertadores campaign (1 draw). Prior to the match against the Argentinians, Palmeiras had not conceded in five consecutive games in this tournament. To advance to the next round, they only need to avoid defeat in the return leg. Additionally, the Brazilians are on a 10-match unbeaten streak in the Copa Libertadores.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
- At home, the Brazilians are unbeaten in 24 games in this tournament (15 wins, 9 draws).
- In 5 of their last 6 home games in the Copa Libertadores, the club has not conceded a single goal.
Predicted lineup for Palmeiras (4-4-2)
Weverton – Joaquin Piquerez, Kellven, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo – Andreas Pereira, Lucas Evangelista, Anibal Moreno, Felipe Anderson – Jose Lopez, Vitor Roque.
River Plate
The defeat in the previous match was Marcelo Gallardo's side's first in the last 10 Copa Libertadores matches (3 wins, 6 draws). Despite being one of the most prolific teams in the group stage, they have not scored more than one goal in their last four Copa Libertadores games. To advance to the quarter-finals, the Argentinians need to win by at least two goals. If River Plate beats the Brazilians by a narrow margin, a penalty shootout will decide the outcome.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of River Plate's last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
- Away from home, the club is unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 games in this tournament (5 wins, 4 draws).
- River Plate has conceded in 13 of their last 17 away games in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for River Plate (4-4-2)
Franco Armani – Paulo Diaz, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero, Gonzalo Montiel – Juan Carlos Portillo, Enzo Perez, Nacho Fernandez, Enzo Perez – Sebastian Driussi, Maxi Salas.
Referee
Andres Matonte (Uruguay)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024-2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 59;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 8%.
Palmeiras vs. River Plate: Match Prediction
The Argentinians have no choice but to seek their fortune in attack. They have not struggled with scoring, as Marcelo Gallardo's side has found the net in 7 of 9 matches in the current Copa Libertadores campaign. However, their weak link is their defense. In the 2025 Copa Libertadores, River Plate has only kept a clean sheet in three games, and away from home, they have conceded in 13 of their last 17 matches in this tournament.
The Brazilians scored twice against their opponent in the previous match. Abel Ferreira's side has scored at least twice in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores games. Effective finishing is likely to help them score again in the upcoming match, especially since the Argentinians will need to open up. It's worth noting that Palmeiras has not lost at home in the Copa Libertadores since May 2021, and their home unbeaten streak in this tournament stands at 24 matches.
My prediction: Palmeiras will not lose and Total over 1.5 goals
