Palmeiras vs Cuiabá Prediction: The champion must win

After being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Botafogo, Palmeiras will host Cuiabá in Campinas due to the unavailability of its stadium, the Allianz Parque. The Verdão must now focus on the Brasileirão, the only competition it can win this season. 

The 2-2 draw with Botafogo in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 was dramatic. After losing 2-1 in the first leg, Palmeiras had to beat the Cariocas at home to advance in the competition. Despite massive pressure from the Paulistas, the game went into halftime with a 0-0 draw. In the second half, Botafogoscored two goals, unexpectedly, to make the home team's mission almost impossible. However, Palmeiras is famous for turning results around and didn't give up, scoring in the 86th and 90th minutes to put Botafogo on the ropes. With the Verdão needing just one goal to take the game to penalties, captain Gustavo Gómez scored in the 95th minute to send the Allianz Parque wild. However, the VAR detected a handball by Gómez, and the referee decided to call a foul, disallowing the goal. Palmeiras still had time for a direct free kick, and Gabriel Menino hit the bar incredibly. A few seconds later, the game ended with an effusive celebration from the Botafogo players. It was an extraordinary match that will live long in the fans' memory.

The Golden Dorado drew surprisingly away to Atlético Mineiro, breaking a run of five straight defeats. Igor Gomes scored for the home side in the 11th minute from a penalty, but Cuiabá equalized close to half-time through Paraguayan Isidro Pitta, also from the penalty spot. In the second half, The Mato-Grossenses were sublime in defense, bringing home a precious point. Cuiabá remains in second to last place with 18 points.

Palmeiras is always the favorite against Cuiabá, whether it plays in São Paulo, Campinas, or another stadium. The Brasileirão is the only competition the Verdão can win this year, so now the team will direct all its forces to the league. As the odds for a Palmeiras victory are low, I will add a maximum of four goals scored in the match to the bet.