Palmeiras could get derby or Flamengo in Libertadores last 16 | OneFootball

The final round of the Libertadores group stage could completely change Palmeiras’ path in the knockout stage. For the first time in the Abel Ferreira era, Verdão reaches the last round without qualification secured and, most importantly, outside the top spot in its group.

At the moment, Palmeiras is second in Group F, behind Cerro Porteño. If they advance in this position, the club will fall into the runners-up pot and could face any group winner in the round of 16, including Brazilian sides.

The scenario opens the door to domestic clashes as early as the first knockout round. Among the possible opponents are Corinthians and Flamengo, as well as Mirassol, one of the surprises of the competition.

The Libertadores regulations divide the qualified teams into two pots:

The matchups are defined by draw, with no country restriction. In other words, Brazilian clubs can face each other as early as the round of 16.

Verdão can still finish first

Palmeiras faces Junior Barranquilla at Allianz Parque needing at least a draw to advance to the round of 16. To regain the top spot in Group F, Abel Ferreira’s team needs to win and hope for a Cerro Porteño loss against Sporting Cristal.

If they advance in first place, Verdão avoids facing group winners in the round of 16 and instead takes on a runner-up. Understand the math behind Palmeiras’ qualification for the Libertadores round of 16 by clicking here.

See the current Libertadores group leaders

Standings group by group

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.