Copa Libertadores Final pick January 30: The biggest prize in South American football

On Saturday night, the biggest prize in South American football will be handed out as the Copa Libertadores Final is played in Rio de Janeiro. 

The game is the delayed 2020 final which was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s match will feature two Brazilian teams, Palmeiras and Santos. The Copa Libertadores has been dominated by Brazilian clubs over the last 10 seasons so it is only fitting that two clubs from the country will compete on Saturday.

If you are just a casual football (soccer) bettor and/or fan, you may not be familiar with the Copa Libertadores. The tournament brings together the best club teams in South America just like the Champions League in Europe.

Founded in 1960, the tournament’s trophy is the prize that every South American player, coach, and club wants to get their hands on. The tournament has seen many greats such as Neymar lift the cup before moving on to big clubs in Europe.

The tournament is made up of the domestic league winners from around South America and teams that finish high up in their respective leagues. In total, 47 teams played in the 2020 edition of the tournament, which begins in January and ends the following January each year.

Copa Libertadores 2020 Final: Palmeiras vs. Santos

This year’s final will pit Palmeiras and Santos, two famous Brazilian clubs. These two are very familiar with one another and have already met three times in 2020 on the domestic stage. Palmeiras are unbeaten against Santos in the league and state championships in Brazilian, winning once and drawing twice. 

To get to the final, Santos thrashed Brazil’s Gremio 5-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinals before beating Argentine side Boca Juniors 3-0 over two matches. Palmeiras, on the other hand, defeated Paraguay’s Libertad 4-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals and Argentina’s River Plate 3-2 in the semifinals over two legs. They were left hanging on in the second match versus River Plate, losing 2-0. However, Palmeiras won the first leg 3-0.

Both clubs have put a lot into their Copa Libertadores’ form. Their league performances have faltered due to it. Santos have lost three straight games in the Brazilian Serie A heading into the match on Saturday.

Palmeiras are in nearly as bad of form going winless in their last three matches losing two and drawing one. The big question heading into the match will be whether or not Santos’ defense can keep Palmeiras out of goal. They have conceded 44 goals this season in the Brazilian Serie A. Palmeiras’ defence have allowed 31 goals.

Palmeiras have collected two draws and a win versus Santos in all competitions already in 2020-21. They outscored Santos 4-3 over the course of 270 minutes of football. Can they get a result once more?

Copa Libertadores pick:

There isn’t much to separate these teams. Palmeiras have been a troublesome opponent for Santos, however.  The Green and White have lost just one of their last 11 games in all competitions against Santos. Based on their recent record versus Santos, Palmeiras should collect the Copa this weekend at the Maracana Stadium.

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