After a failed attempt at the Copa Chile, Catolica hopes to revamp their hope in the last 16-tie of the Copa Libertadores this week against Palmeiras. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo, with kickoff at 1:15 am.
The hosts finished second in the group stages on the final day with a triumphant 2-0 win over Atletico Nacional. On the other hand, the current champions Palmeiras easily finished on top of Group A with five wins.
It was a difficult start to the group stages for La Catolica, especially after losing the opening two matches in the group and failing to score. All things seemed to be headed for a knockout stage for the 10th consecutive time.
However, Gustavo Payet got the team back on track with two wins in their last two closing games. In addition, the side managed to concede only twice in their final two matches. A hard task remains in front of them, trying to dethrone the current Serie A Brasileiro champions.
Moreover, the Palestra are currently in pick form after picking five wins in their last group stage matches. It is has been a successful campaign while picking 20 goals and losing only once.
Furthermore, it marks the first time they face off against La Catolica since 1968. The side has a superior record against the Chilean sides, with seven wins and only one loss.
Catolica vs Palmeiras Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other at this stage of the competition. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Catolica 0-2 Everton de Vina del Mar
- Everton 0-0 Catolica
- Catolica 4-4 Deportes Iquique
- Santiago Wanderers 0-1 Universiadad Catolica
- Catolica 2-1 Cobresai
Away
- Palmeiras 3-2 Santos
- Palmeiras 2-0 Gremio
- Sport Recife 0-1 Palmeiras
- Internacional 1-2 Palmeiras
- Palmeiras 3-2 Bahia
Catolica Team News
A major injury blow at this stage is the torn muscle injury picked up in-form winger Gonzalo Tapio. In addition, the defensive pair of Jose Pedro Fuenzalida and Raimundo Rebolledo came on in the second leg and could feature this Wednesday.
Palmeiras Team News
Talisman Rony is currently in form with six goals in this competition while scoring a brace in three different matches. Winger Bruno Lopes recovered from a ligament injury to feature last week in their win over Santos. However, winger Veron continues nursing a hamstring injury.
Prediction and Odds
We cannot overlook the history of Palmeiras against Chilean sides at this stage of the competition.
- Palmeiras Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Under 3.5
