In a thrilling encounter on the night of May 7, 2025, Palmeiras continued their impressive form in the Copa Libertadores, defeating Cerro Porteño 2-0 at the Estadio La Nueva Olla in Assunção, Paraguay. This victory not only secured the Brazilian side's place in the knockout stages of the tournament but also extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches as visitors, a remarkable feat dating back to 1996.
The match kicked off at 21h30 (Brasília time) amid a tense atmosphere, with both teams aware of the stakes involved. Palmeiras, leading Group G with nine points prior to the match, needed just a draw to guarantee their advancement to the next round. On the other hand, Cerro Porteño, sitting second with four points, was desperate for a win to solidify their position in the group.
Palmeiras showcased their dominance from the start, controlling possession and applying pressure on the Paraguayan defense. However, it was not without its challenges. Just seven minutes into the match, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton had to make a crucial save, thwarting a deflected shot from Jonatán Torres. The early scare seemed to ignite the Palmeiras players, who quickly regrouped and began to create opportunities.
Despite their initial struggles, it was Estêvão who broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. After a quick free-kick taken by Lucas Evangelista, Estêvão unleashed a curling shot that left Cerro's goalkeeper Martín Arias with no chance. The goal not only gave Palmeiras the lead but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
As the first half drew to a close, Palmeiras had a chance to double their lead but Vitor Roque, who had a mixed performance throughout the match, opted to shoot instead of passing to Estêvão, allowing Arias to make a routine save. This moment of indecision would prove to be a minor blip as the team headed into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw both teams come out with renewed vigor. Palmeiras continued to dominate possession, but Cerro Porteño began to push forward in search of an equalizer. The Paraguayan side created a couple of opportunities, including a powerful shot from Rivas that hit the crossbar, sending a wave of anxiety through the Palmeiras bench.
With time running out, it looked like Palmeiras would have to settle for a narrow victory. However, in the dying moments of the match, Vitor Roque redeemed himself for his earlier misstep. In the 47th minute of the second half, he received a well-placed pass from Paulinho, skillfully maneuvered past the defenders, and slotted the ball into the net, sealing the 2-0 victory for Palmeiras.
This win marked Palmeiras's fourth consecutive victory in the group stage, bringing their total points to 12. With two matches still to play, they are now eight points clear of Cerro Porteño, who remain in second place with just four points. The result underscores Palmeiras's status as a formidable contender in this year's Libertadores.
After the match, captain Gustavo Gómez expressed pride in the team's performance, stating, "We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we focused on our goal of securing qualification. Our preparation paid off, and we’re happy with the result." His sentiments were echoed by fans who celebrated the team's continued success on social media.
The victory not only boosts Palmeiras's confidence but also solidifies their historical dominance over Cerro Porteño, having never lost to them in Assunção, with four wins and three draws in previous encounters. The Brazilian side will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next matches, aiming to finish the group stage with a perfect record.
As the Libertadores continues, the focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures, where Palmeiras will look to extend their unbeaten streak and further assert their dominance in South American football. With a blend of young talent and seasoned players, they are poised to make a significant impact as the tournament progresses.
