Palmeiras vs Santos - How to watch the Copa Libertadores final on Jan. 30, 2021

January 28, 2021 By Oscar Rojas

Topics: Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras, Santos, TV Schedules, TV Listings

The All-Brazilian tie between two former cup champions will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats. Keep track of the game with our detailed guide.

One hundred fifty-four games have been played in the 2020 Copa Libertadores, but the most important game is yet to be played this Saturday. After a six-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, Palmeiras and Santos will fight to win the most coveted trophy in South American football. Both teams from Sao Paulo will take their rivalry to Maracaná Stadium and will add to their historic rivalry after their first Copa Libertadores encounter in the 21st Century.

Palmeiras will get to this game with just one win in their last six games. One of those defeats for the Verdao was the one against River in the second leg of the semi-finals, which was their only defeat in the Copa Libertadores so far. Their last game before the final ended in a 2-2 draw against Vasco da Gama in the Brasileirao.

On the other hand, Santos' form ahead of this game is nothing to brag about, as they have collected three losses in a row in all comps. One of the issues to be solved by coach Alexi Stival "Cuca" is the team's form in defense, where they have conceded eight time in three games. Their most recent clash concluded in a 2-0 loss against Atlético Mineiro.

Palmeiras' boss Abel Ferreira will have to deal with Felipe Melo's absence for this game since the midfielder was not able to recover from his physical problems. The good news for the Verdao have to do with the recoveries of Alan Empereur and Gabriel Verón, although neither one of them is expected to play right from the start.

As for Santos, "Cuca" will have to plan this game without midfielder Carlos Sánchez, who will not be around due to injury. Holding midfielder Alison is still listed as doubtful since he is not fully fit after recovering from a positive coronavirus test. If he can earn his fitness levels back, he will surely start for the all-white club.

Palmeiras vs Santos - Head-to-head

The last game between these teams ended in a 2-2 draw back in December 2020.
Santos have only beaten Palmeiras in one of their last eight matches (all comps).
Palmeiras have won three of their last eight matches against Santos (all comps).
Palmeiras will play their fifth Copa Libertadores final. The Verdao side won the 1999 edition against Deportivo Cali, but they lost in 1961 (vs Peñarol), in 1968 (vs. Estudiantes), and in 2000 (against Boca).
Santos will also be playing their fifth Copa Libertadores final, although they have a better record than Palmeiras'. The "Peixe" won back-to-back titles in 1962 and 1963, and added one more title in 2011. Their only loss in a Copa Libertadores final took place in 2003 when Boca defeated them.
This will be the fourth Copa Libertadores final to feature teams from the same nation. It happened in 2005, when Sao Paulo beat Paranaense, and it happened once more in 2006 when Internacional defeated Sao Paulo. The clash between River and Boca in 2018 was the last to feature teams from the same country.
This will be the second time in history in which the Copa Libertadores is decided in a one-legged tie.