São Paulo, Brazil – On Tuesday night, Palmeiras demonstrated their dominance in Group G, defeating Cerro Porteño 2-0 in an intense match. The Portuguese manager, Abel Ferreira, led his team to an impressive victory that solidified their position at the top of the group.
The opening goal came in the 41st minute from Estêvão, who unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box that outwitted Cerro Porteño goalkeeper Alexis Arias. The young Brazilian player further established his reputation as a rising star in the tournament.
In injury time, Vitor Roque sealed the win with a stunning individual effort in the 94th minute, finishing with a precise cross-shot that cemented the score at 0-2. With this victory, Palmeiras collected 12 points in Group G, confirming their spot in the next round as unbeaten leaders.
This match marked the first time any team in the current tournament has advanced to the knockout stage with a perfect record, showcasing Palmeiras’ strength on both defense and attack.
Cerro Porteño had a different experience, finishing second in the group with 4 points, tied with Sporting Cristal, who played later against bottom team Bolívar. The Paraguayan side must secure points in their next match to keep their campaign alive.
Looking ahead, Sporting Cristal will host Cerro Porteño in Lima for a critical showdown for the second qualifying spot. Meanwhile, Palmeiras will face Bolívar in São Paulo, aiming to continue their flawless performance as they move towards the round of 16.
