The first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores quarter-final between River Plate (Argentina) and Palmeiras (Brazil) will take place on September 18 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. River Plate vs. Palmeiras: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
River Plate
In the previous round, Marcelo Gallardo's team faced Libertad. Both matches ended in a draw during regular time (0-0, 1-1), and only in the penalty shootout did the Argentinians secure their place in the quarter-finals. Over the past nine editions of the Copa Libertadores, River Plate has reached this stage seven times. They have successfully advanced from this point on five occasions, including in the last tournament. It's worth noting that the club has remained unbeaten in nine Copa Libertadores games (3 wins and 6 draws after 90 minutes).
- Both teams scored in 5 of River Plate's last 6 matches in the Copa Libertadores.
- In 12 of their last 13 home matches in this tournament, the team has not conceded more than one goal.
- At home, the club is unbeaten in their last 18 Copa Libertadores matches, securing 13 victories.
Predicted lineup for River Plate (4-4-2)
Franco Armani – Fabricio Bustos, Lucas Martinez, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero – Juan Carlos Portillo, Enzo Perez, Nacho Fernandez, Giuliano Galoppo – Sebastian Driussi, Maxi Salas.
Palmeiras
Abel Ferreira's side overcame Universitario in the previous round (4-0, 0-0). It's worth mentioning that the draw with the Peruvians in the second leg ended a streak of seven victories for the Brazilians in this edition of the Copa Libertadores. However, Palmeiras managed to keep a clean sheet for the sixth time, a feat unmatched by any other team. Additionally, in 7 of the last 8 Copa Libertadores tournaments, the club has reached the quarter-finals and has twice claimed the trophy.
- The Brazilians have scored at least twice in 5 of their last 6 Copa Libertadores matches.
- Away from home, Palmeiras has won 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament (1 loss).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of their last 7 away games in the Copa Libertadores.
Predicted lineup for Palmeiras (4-4-2)
Weverton – Joaquin Piquerez, Khellven, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo – Facundo Torres, Lucas Evangelista, Anibal Moreno, Felipe Anderson – Jose Lopez, Vitor Roque.
Referee
Jesus Valenzuela (Venezuela)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 33%.
River Plate vs. Palmeiras: Match Prediction
Both teams have reached the quarter-finals without suffering a defeat. It seems we are in for a fierce contest, where it's difficult to give either side the edge. Matches between Argentinians and Brazilians often lead to plenty of emotions rather than goals. Both defenses are solid, so I suggest focusing on the match's scoring potential.
At home, River Plate has not conceded more than one goal in 12 of their last 13 Copa Libertadores matches, keeping a clean sheet in 8 of these games. It's important to note that Marcelo Gallardo's side has scored 8 of their 14 goals in this tournament over two matches.
Palmeiras ranks among the top three in the 2025 Copa Libertadores for clean sheets, and the Brazilians have not conceded in their last 5 matches in this tournament. I believe the team will not rush and will likely be content if they can prevent the hosts from scoring, keeping the return leg in mind.
My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
