Palmeiras were on a verge of losing a spot in the Libertadores final despite their 3-0 victory in the first leg. They lost 2-0 at home to River Plate on Tuesday night but moved one step from the title regardless.
Marcelo Gallardo’s team dominated from start to finish, had two goals in the first 45 minutes and got one more cancelled by VAR in the second.
Rojas opened up the scoring before receiving his second yellow card and was sent off in the second period. Borre was on the score-sheet as he doubled the visitor’s advantage.
It turned out to be a very difficult match for Palmeiras. After winning the first leg 3-0, it seemed like the game would be more comfortable at home. However, it wasn’t the case. River Plate were all over the pitch, kept all the ball possession and created many chances. They got their opening goal in the 29th minute of the game.
Rojas rose higher to meet De La Cruz’s cross following a comer kick to draw first blood. Not long after, Borre headed in Suarez’s misplaced shot to double the away side’s advantage before the break.
The home side didn’t threaten to score as they got no shot-on target throughout the entire game. It almost got worse for Palmeiras in the 52nd minute in the second half when Montiel struck in at close range for Rivers Plate but was flagged offside after a check from VAR.
Rojas was then sent off in the 73rd minute after the defender received his second yellow card for a bad foul. The home side suffered throughout the game and even had a penalty not given when Suarez was fouled in the second half. Regardless, Palmeiras were able to finish the game, ending with an aggregate score of 3-2 to make it to the finals.
