The race for a place in the knockout rounds continues this midweek as Cerro Porteno welcome Brazilian giants Palmeiras at the General Pablo Rojas in the third round in Group F of the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores campaign this Thursday. Both sides picked up narrow victories in the last round and will be keen to build momentum on those results and put themselves in pole position for a top-two finish.
Jonathan Torres’ simple finish from just inside the area proved to be the difference as Cerro came away with a narrow 1-0 win against Junior Barranquilla last time out, bouncing back from their opening-day setback against Sporting Cristal.
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The Paraguayan side came into the competition in search of a first-ever continental title and will need to deliver a strong performance against the unsurprising group leaders this midweek to keep those dreams alive.
Palmeiras are enjoying a pretty special season, having only lost one of their last 21 games, and will be confident of continuing that remarkable run when they travel to face Ariel Holan’s side.
Alviverde were held to a 1-1 draw by Junior Barranquilla in the opening round before securing a deserved 2-1 win over Sporting Cristal last time out, and could move three points clear at the top of the group with a victory on Thursday.
Cerro Porteno vs Palmeiras Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides have met on 16 previous occasions going into Thursday’s game. Cerro Porteno have won two of those games, and four have ended in draws, while Palmeiras have won the remaining 10.
- Cerro have lost each of their last six meetings with Palmeiras, scoring only one goal in those games and conceding 16.
- The hosts have the second-best offensive and defensive records in the Paraguayan top division this season, with 26 goals scored and 14 conceded in 18 games.
- The hosts’ deepest run in the Copa Libertadores consists of five semifinal finishes, most recently in 2011, while Palmeiras have won the competition on three occasions, most recently in 2021.
Cerro Porteno vs Palmeiras Prediction
The Cyclone are underdogs going into Thursday’s continental clash as a result of their much weaker squad quality, although they should gain a major boost from their home advantage.
Palmeiras will rely on their dominant record in this fixture to get the job done on Thursday and will be buoyed by their recent performances on the road.
Prediction: Cerro Porteño 0-1 Palmeiras
Cerro Porteno vs Palmeiras Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Palmeiras to win
Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals (Nine of the hosts’ last 10 games have produced fewer than 2.5 goals)
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: No
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
