The Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil, is set to host a crucial Copa Sudamericana playoff round match between Cuiabá and Palestino on July 25, 2024. With the aggregate score delicately poised at 1-1 after the first leg, both teams are eyeing a spot in the tournament’s last 16.
Match Preview
Cuiabá enters this home fixture with a slight edge, having secured a valuable away goal in the 1-1 draw in Chile last week. The Brazilian side has shown resilience in the Sudamericana, remaining unbeaten in their campaign thus far. However, their recent domestic form has been shaky, with a 1-0 loss to Fluminense in their latest Brasileirão Série A outing.
Palestino, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Everton in the Chilean Primera División. The visitors have struggled on the road in continental competitions this year, managing just one point from three away matches in their Copa Libertadores group stage campaign.
Lineups
Predicted Cuiabá Lineup (4-2-3-1): Cafu, Sobral, Alexandre, B. Alves, Mineiro, Empereur, Augusto, Pitta, Rikelme, M. Alves
Palestino (4-3-3): Davila, Vejar, Benitez, Zuniga, Marabel, Palacio, Rojas, Linares, Rigamonti, Suarez, Carrasco
Injury Updates and Team News
Cuiabá has no major injury concerns heading into this crucial fixture. However, Palestino will be without defender Nicolás Meza, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
Where to Watch
Fans in the United States can catch the action live on beIN SPORTS USA, beIN SPORTS en Español, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. The match kicks off at 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
Cuiabá vs Palestino Live Stream and TV Schedule in Other Countries:
- Argentina: DIRECTV Sports Argentina
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect, beIN SPORTS 3
- Brazil: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fanatiz Canada, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN Sports Canada
- Italy: Mola TV
- Mexico: Disney+ Mexico
- Spain: LaLiga+ Spain
Who Will Win?
This match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Cuiabá’s home advantage and strong defensive record in the tournament give them a slight edge. However, Palestino’s attacking prowess could pose problems for the Brazilian side.
Cuiabá vs Palestino Prediction: Cuiabá 1-1 Palestino (Cuiabá may win on penalties)
Key Stats and Form
Cuiabá has kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 7 Copa Sudamericana matches. Their forward Isidro Pitta is the team’s joint top scorer in the tournament with 3 goals, level with Fernando Sobral.
Palestino has scored in 5 of their last 6 competitive matches but has also conceded in each of those games. Gonzalo Sosa has been a key player for the Chilean side, contributing both goals and assists.
Head-to-Head
The first leg encounter last week was the first-ever meeting between these two sides, ending in a 1-1 draw. Nicolás Linares opened the scoring for Palestino in the 32nd minute, but Deyverson equalized for Cuiabá just after the hour mark.
Standings
In their respective domestic leagues, Cuiabá currently sits in the lower half of the Brasileirão Série A table, while Palestino is mid-table in the Chilean Primera División.
Latest News
Cuiabá’s recent 1-0 loss to Fluminense in the Brasileirão has put additional pressure on the team to perform well in this continental fixture. The Brazilian side has gone winless in their last four home matches across all competitions, losing the previous two by a single goal.
Palestino, on the other hand, will be eager to put their 4-1 defeat to Everton behind them and focus on progressing in the Copa Sudamericana. The Chilean team has not made it to the last 16 of this tournament since 2016.
As both teams aim to secure a spot in the knockout stage, fans can expect an intense and tactical battle at the Arena Pantanal. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both clubs’ seasons, making it a must-watch for South American football enthusiasts.
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