Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction: This should be a very even contest

The Brazilian champion travels to Ecuador to face Independiente del Valle in one of the best matches of this Copa Libertadores round. Both sides have four points and lead group F. Liverpool de Montevideo and San Lorenzo have only picked up one point from their two games. A very balanced contest is likely, in which both teams will be satisfied with a draw.

The Black and Blues have yet to lose in 11 games this season. Independiente is second in the Ecuador League and well-placed in Copa Libertadores Group F. The 2-0 win at home to San Lorenzo was natural, given the Sangolquí team's superiority. The Ecuadoreans had 20 shots compared to just five for the Argentinians. None of San Lorenzo's shots were on target. Ind. del Valle will play without any fear of Palmeiras as, despite being a small club, it has grown a lot football-wise in the last ten years. The club's presence in the Copa Libertadores 2016 final and the two Copa Sudamericana victories in 2019 and 2022 reflect this growth.

The Verdão comes to this game after two poor home displays where it failed to score a single goal. In Round 2 of the Brasileirão, the Paulistas were stunned at the Arena Barueri by Internacional, losing 1-0 in a game they created virtually no danger for the visitors. In the following round, back at its usual stadium, the Allianz Parque, Palmeiras was held to a draw by Flamengo, a title contender. Abel Ferreira's team struggled again to create goal-scoring opportunities but ultimately managed a clean sheet. The Pig will go to Ecuador needing a positive result to boost its confidence.

The game will probably be balanced and very tactical. Of course, both teams want to win, but a draw could satisfy Ecuadorians and Brazilians, who are three points clear of the other two clubs. The home side has yet to lose this year, while Palmeiras had disappointing performances recently, so it needs a positive result. A Double Chance favorable to the Brazilians has good odds so it will be my choice.