Palmeiras vs Independiente del Valle Prediction: Palmeiras needs just one point to qualify

With three wins and a draw in four matches, Palmeiras controls Copa Libertadores Group F. The Brazilians have ten points, while the other teams have four. With two games left, a draw is enough for Palmeiras to secure qualification and settle the matter. The Ecuadorians need points and will go to the Allianz Parque to avoid defeat.

For the second time in the Brasileirão, the Verdão used the Arena Barueri for a home match and lost again. The 2-0 defeat to Athletico-PR, the competition leader, left Palmeiras in ninth place. Coach Abel Ferreiras complained about playing in an empty stadium, claiming that his team lost the advantage of playing at home. The constant unavailability of the Allianz Parque due to concerts is a problem for the team, which has already suffered two home defeats in the Série A, both at the Arena Barueri. Against Independiente, the Verdão will return home looking to bounce back from the defeat and beat the Ecuadorians.

The Black and Blues lead the Ecuadorian LigaPro with a point ahead of Aucas. In its last game, Independiente won 2-1 at El Nacional with goals from Kendry Páez and Renato Ibarra. Páez, 17, is the great hope of Ecuadorian football and has already signed a contract with Chelsea, where he will join in 2025. In the previous Copa Libertadores match, Sangolqui's side lost 2-0 away to San Lorenzo and is now on the same four points as the Argentinians. Independiente will play Liverpool at home in the final round, but seven points may not be enough to finish second in the group. A point against Palmeiras would put the Ecuadorians in a better position to qualify for the next stage.

Palmeiras only needs one point to qualify but will want to beat Independiente. The Pig has lost its last match, and the fans will not be happy with a draw. There's also the possibility of the Verdão finishing as the best side in the group stage - it would grant the team the right to play the second leg at home in every knockout stage round. The Ecuadorians have talent, but I will bet on the Brazilians to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the game.