Palmeiras eyes a decisive advantage as Universitario de Deportes hosts the first leg of the Libertadores Round of 16 in Lima, with the second leg slated for next week at Allianz Parque in São Paulo.
Palmeiras, a club with global reach and a strong continental footprint, travels to Peru as the favorite in the two-legged tie. After a notable showing at the Club World Cup, where they were eliminated by Chelsea, who went on to win the tournament, the Brazilian side aims to reinforce its status against Universitario, one of South America’s most respected clubs.
Joaquín Piquerez, a key figure in Abel Ferreira’s defense, described the Lima clash as of extreme importance. The Uruguayan left back, 26, emphasized that Universitario is a “big and respected” team, so Palmeiras will take every precaution to unleash their attacking power, led by Vitor Roque and José Manuel López. Piquerez also highlighted Jorge Fossati as a “great coach” and recalled having worked under him in 2019 and 2020, when he left Defensor Sporting for River Plate of Uruguay.
The defender’s optimism is buoyed by his own milestone with the Verdear: he recently extended his contract with Palmeiras through December 2030. Since joining the club, Piquerez has collected six titles — including Copa Libertadores 2021, Recopa Sudamericana 2022, two Paulista championships (2022, 2023), Brasileirão 2022, and the 2023 Supercopa do Brasil — and he has become the Uruguayan with the most appearances for Palmeiras. He is also the second-highest scoring Uruguayan in the club, behind compatriot Segundo Villadóniga.
Palmeiras’ last visit to Lima came on April 3, 2025, when they opened their Libertadores group-stage campaign at the Estadio Nacional against Sporting Cristal, a match that finished 3-2 in favor of the Brazilians. The openers saw Estevao Willian put Cristal ahead in the first half, with Jesús Pretell replying from outside the box to level the score. Palmeiras then edged ahead late on thanks to a penalty conversion by Piquerez, before Richard Ríos sealed the result for the visitors as Cristal pressed for balance.
What to watch for in the upcoming tie:
– Universitario will look to leverage the home atmosphere of the Monumental to swing momentum in the first leg, aiming to take a lead into the return in São Paulo.
– Palmeiras will lean on their continental pedigree and the creative spark of their forwards, backed by a defense marshaled by Piquerez, who brings experience and leadership to the back line.
– The tactical duel featuring Fossati’s experienced approach against Ferreira’s high-pressing style could shape the tempo of both legs.
Summary: Universitario hosts Palmeiras in a high-stakes Libertadores Round of 16 opener, with Palmeiras entering as favorites and seeking to capitalize on their recent prestige and squad depth. The outcome will largely hinge on the home performance in Lima and how well Palmeiras can translate that control into the second leg in Brazil.
Potential adjustments or outlook: If Universitario can stifle Palmeiras’ early attacking push and force the visitors to chase the game, they may set up a favorable second leg. Conversely, Palmeiras will want to avoid conceding on the road and carry a positive result into the Allianz Parque, where their recent trophy-winning mentality could be decisive.