Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras Prediction & Match Preview

We expect an electric atmosphere in and around Estadio Alberto Jose Armando on Thursday evening when Boca Juniors host Palmeiras in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal.

The Argentinean heavyweights are six-time champions but they haven’t won the flagship continental competition since 2007.

The tension is huge in Buenos Aires. We know how much the Argentines love football and there are no doubts the local crowd will prepare something special for this match.

In terms of their performances, Boca did not shine this season. They won just two of six matches in the second phase of the Argentinean Liga Profesional, after coming only seventh at the end of the first phase of the competition (after 27 outings).

Furthermore, Boca needed penalties to go past the likes of Nacional and Racing Club in the previous two knockout phase rounds in the Copa Libertadores. Three of the last four games they played in this competition ended in goalless draws.

The story is different with Palmeiras whose winning streak brought them within seven points of Serie A leaders Botafogo after 24 rounds of the competition.

Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira looks to have found the right formula for defense as his Palmeiras have kept eight consecutive clean sheets across competitions before conceding one goal in the last weekend’s clash against Gremio in Serie A.

Latest Meetings

These two teams last met each other five years ago, also in the Copa Libertadores semifinal. Boca Juniors advanced to the final 4-2 on aggregate on the occasion.

Boca Juniors have generally been more successful with four wins, four draws, and two losses in the last ten encounters with Palmeiras.

Only one of the last four matches between these rivals provided three or more goals.

The Verdict

Playing in hostile environment will represent a big challenge for Palmeiras but we trust them much more than we do the out-of-form Boca Juniors at the moment.

The best pick for this game is Under 1.5 goals FT at the 2.25 odds while we will alternatively back Palmeiras to keep a clean sheet at the 2.37 odds.

Steffen Schmidt- September 27, 2023

Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras Betting Tips

Under 1.5 goals

OK

2.30 Odds

Palmeiras to keep a clean sheet

OK

2.38 Odds