On May 7, 2025, Palmeiras faced off against Cerro Porteño in a crucial Copa Libertadores match held at the Estadio Nueva Olla in Asunción, Paraguay. The match kicked off at 21:30 local time, with both teams eager to secure a vital win in the group stage of the tournament.
Palmeiras, the reigning champions of the Libertadores in 2020 and 2021, entered the match with an impressive record, having won all three of their previous games in Group G. With a perfect score of 9 points, they were looking to extend their lead and secure their place in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Cerro Porteño, with 4 points, was determined to capitalize on their home advantage and challenge the Brazilian giants.
The game was broadcast live on Globo, ESPN, and Disney+, allowing fans to follow the action from home. The excitement surrounding the match was palpable, as fans anticipated a high-stakes showdown between two storied clubs.
Both teams had their starting lineups set. Palmeiras, managed by Abel Ferreira, featured a strong squad with Weverton in goal, supported by defenders Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gómez, and Vanderlan. The midfield was anchored by Emi Martínez and Lucas Evangelista, while Allan, Estêvão, and Facundo Torres provided support to forward Vitor Roque. On the other hand, Cerro Porteño, under the guidance of Diego Martínez, lined up with Alexis Arias; Benítez, Velázquez, Pérez, Quintana, and Rivas in defense; Carrizo, Piris da Motta, and Viera in midfield; and Iturbe and Torres leading the attack.
The match began with Cerro Porteño showing early promise, creating their first chance just 7 minutes in when Jonatán Torres took a shot that required Weverton to make a crucial save. However, it wasn't until the 41st minute that Palmeiras found the back of the net. Lucas Evangelista cleverly took a quick free kick, passing to Estêvão, who unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box to give Palmeiras a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after the goal, the Paraguayan side nearly equalized, but a defensive lapse led to a counterattack. Vitor Roque found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Martín Arias, but squandered the opportunity by shooting straight at him. The missed chance was particularly glaring as Estêvão was in a better position to score.
As the second half commenced, Palmeiras focused on maintaining their lead, effectively managing the game and limiting Cerro Porteño's attacking opportunities. The Verdão nearly doubled their advantage in the 69th minute when Vitor Roque set up Paulinho for a powerful shot that struck the crossbar.
Cerro Porteño continued to push for an equalizer and came close again in the 88th minute when Viera's shot hit the crossbar, followed by a header from Jonatán Torres that also rattled the woodwork. Despite their efforts, the home side couldn't find the goal they desperately needed.
In the dying moments of the match, Palmeiras sealed their victory with a second goal. Vitor Roque showcased his skill by outpacing a defender, rounding the goalkeeper, and calmly finishing into the net, bringing the final score to 2-0 in favor of Palmeiras.
With this win, Palmeiras secured their spot in the knockout stages of the competition, now boasting an impressive 12 points from four matches, maintaining a perfect record in Group G. Cerro Porteño, on the other hand, remains in contention for the second qualifying spot, currently sitting at 4 points.
Palmeiras' next match in the Copa Libertadores will be against Bolívar on May 15, 2025, at Allianz Parque, while they will also face São Paulo in a domestic clash on May 10, 2025, in Barueri. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Palmeiras to see if they can continue their dominant form and make another deep run in the Copa Libertadores.
