The first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 between Universitario (Peru) and Palmeiras (Brazil) will take place on August 15 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima. Universitario vs. Palmeiras: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Universitario
The Peruvians advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to finishing second in Group B. Jorge Fossati's side remained unbeaten in 4 out of 6 matches (2 wins, 2 draws) and edged out their nearest rival only on tiebreakers. However, the team scored just 4 goals, the lowest tally among all playoff participants. In the previous Copa Libertadores, Universitario finished at the bottom of Group D, and the club has not reached the Round of 16 since the 2010 season.
In this transfer window, the team has signed midfielder Jesus Castillo.
- The team has not won in 9 of their last 11 Copa Libertadores matches (4 draws, 5 losses).
- In their last 6 games in this tournament, the Peruvians have not scored more than once.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 6 of Universitario's last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
Predicted lineup for Universitario (3-4-3)
Sebastian Britos – Williams Riveros, Anderson Santamaria, Matias Di Benedetto – Andy Polo, Cesar Inga, Rodrigo Ureña, Martin Perez Guedes – Alex Valera, Jose Rivera, Jairo Concha.
Palmeiras
Abel Ferreira's side was the only team to win all their group matches, keeping clean sheets in 4 games. Additionally, the Brazilians scored 17 goals, showcasing the best attack. Palmeiras reached the Round of 16 for the ninth consecutive time, winning the tournament twice in this period. However, in the previous Copa Libertadores, the club did not advance beyond this stage.
The team has signed defender Kelvin and forward Ramon Sosa. However, there are significant departures as well – midfielder Richard Rios has left for Benfica, and forward Estevan has joined Chelsea.
- The Brazilians have scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores matches.
- Away from home in this tournament, the team has won 9 of their last 12 games (2 draws, 1 loss).
- In 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras has conceded at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Palmeiras (4-5-1)
Weverton – Joaquin Piquerez, Augustin Hiai, Mikael dos Santos Silva, Gustavo Gomez – Anibal Moreno, Mauricio, Lucas Evangelista, Facundo Torres, Ramon Sosa – Vitor Roque.
Midfielder Raphael Veiga is injured.
Referee
Facundo Tello (Argentina)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024 - 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 27%.
Match Prediction: Universitario vs. Palmeiras
The Peruvians started the group stage with two losses and no goals. However, Jorge Fossati's team managed to improve their finishing, and they are currently on a four-game scoring streak in the Copa Libertadores. At home, the club takes advantage of the high altitude and regularly finds the net: Universitario has scored in 10 of their last 13 matches in this tournament. However, they also concede, albeit not heavily, but consistently – in 10 of their last 11 home games in the Copa Libertadores.
The most prolific team of the group stage should have no trouble finding ways to score against their opponent. Moreover, Palmeiras has scored in 7 consecutive away matches in the Copa Libertadores, netting at least twice in 5 of those games. However, their focus on attack comes at the cost of their defense: in their last 6 away matches in this tournament, Abel Ferreira's side has conceded 8 goals.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
