Palmeiras continue prep for Cerro Porteño; Paulinho fitness update

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Nosso Palestra

·17 August 2026

Palmeiras continue prep for Cerro Porteño; Paulinho fitness update

Palmeiras trained on Monday afternoon (17) at the Academia de Futebol and continued preparations for the decisive clash against Cerro Porteño-PAR this Wednesday (19), at 7 p.m., at Estadio Nueva Olla in Asunción, in the second leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16.

In the first leg, played at Nubank Parque, the teams drew 1-1. As a result, Verdão need a win to secure qualification for the quarterfinals. If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.

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In Monday’s session, the coaching staff oversaw technical drills focused on passing and marking, as well as small-sided games. Right-back Khellven, recovered from a right thigh injury, trained fully with the rest of the squad and is available for the match. Forward Paulinho, meanwhile, remains in recovery and carried out separate activities under the guidance of the Health and Performance Department.

Mauricio speaks!

Author of one of Palmeiras’ goals in the win over Fluminense last Saturday (15) in the Brazilian Championship, attacking midfielder Mauricio highlighted the quality of the opponent and stressed the importance of the team staying alert to Cerro Porteño’s defensive system.

We know Cerro are a very high-quality team. We’ve faced them three times this season, so we know very well how they defend in a line, with man-marking. We have to be very alert to that and try to play our game so we can come away with qualification.

Mauricio also acknowledged the pressure Palmeiras are under. The team have not won in four matches and head into Wednesday’s clash needing a response to advance in South America’s top club competition.

In the last four games we haven’t played well, we haven’t won, so we know how important Wednesday’s game against Cerro Porteño is, because it’s a Libertadores Round of 16 match. The next game is always the game of our lives, it’s a final for us. We have to think that way so we can leave there with the win and qualification.

Palmeiras chase historic milestones

In addition to qualification, Palmeiras will have the chance to reach important milestones in Libertadores history. The fifth club with the most wins in the competition, Verdão could claim their 150th victory in the tournament.

At the moment, Palmeiras trail Boca Juniors-ARG, with 172 wins, Peñarol-URU, with 177, Nacional-URU, with 185, and River Plate-ARG, with 202.

Away from home, the club also boast impressive numbers. Palmeiras have the second-best away win rate among all Libertadores champions, with 46.51%, behind only Argentinos Juniors-ARG, who have 52.38%. Verdão also lead the average goals scored away from home, with 1.64 per match, compared to Santos’ 1.56.

With 60 away wins in the Libertadores, Palmeiras could also overtake Boca Juniors and take sole possession of third place in the continental ranking.

The clash in Asunción will also be historic for another reason. On Wednesday, Palmeiras will complete 350 matches against foreign opponents outside Brazil in their entire history.

In 349 matches played so far, the Greatest Champion of Brazil have recorded 188 wins, 79 draws and 82 defeats, with 656 goals scored and 388 conceded.

Now, the green-and-white squad turn their attention to the showdown against Cerro Porteño. A win at Nueva Olla will send Palmeiras into the Libertadores quarterfinals and keep alive the goal of winning another continental title.

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