Palmeiras confirmed their status as favorites in Group G of the Copa Libertadores by securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Bolívar on Thursday’s fifth matchday, held at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. With this win, the team coached by Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira has now achieved five wins in as many games, securing an early spot in the round of 16.

Palmeiras' Victory

The match started perfectly for Palmeiras, who opened the scoring in the 6th minute thanks to a precise shot from Murilo, beating the opposing goalkeeper. Six minutes later, Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres extended the lead with a goal that practically sealed the match, showcasing the Brazilian side’s strong offensive form.

Meanwhile, the Bolivian squad led by Argentine coach Flavio Robatto had to cope with the absence of their top scorer, Ramiro Vaca, suspended after testing positive in a doping control by Conmebol. This absence proved crucial, as Bolívar couldn’t mount an effective offensive response and remained behind on the scoreboard.

With this victory, Palmeiras accumulated 15 points, firmly occupying first place in the group. Meanwhile, the battle for second place—and the direct qualification to the round of 16—is now between Cerro Porteño, with 7 points, and Sporting Cristal, with 4 points. Bolívar sits at the bottom with just 3 points, complicating their chances of advancing in the tournament.

To keep their hopes alive, Sporting Cristal will need a big win over Palmeiras in Brazil on May 28 and will have to hope that Bolívar defeats Cerro Porteño in La Paz that same day. However, an unfavorable scenario for Bolívar could leave them out of the main competition, finishing third in the group and relegated to the Copa Sudamericana playoff.

This result confirms Palmeiras’ absolute dominance in the group and the solidity they have demonstrated throughout the group stage, with a flawless performance that positions them as one of the top contenders to win this season’s Copa Libertadores title.