The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores has reached its final stage, as the delayed 2020 competition finally reaches its end.
Saturday's clash at the Estadio Maracana is an all-Brazilian affair, with Palmeiras and Santos making the trip to Rio de Janeiro in a bid to be crowned South American champions.
The clubs disposed of Argentine heavyweights River Plate and Boca Juniors respectively in the semis to earn their place in the final.
And hopes are high on both sides, with a fascinating clash anticipated between two of Brazil's biggest, most historic football institutions.
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How to watch Palmeiras vs Santos on US TV
Date | Time (US PT / ET) | Match | Channel |
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January 30 | 12:00pm / 3:00pm | Palmeiras vs Santos | Fanatiz |
What has happened to Palmeiras and Santos so far in the 2020 Copa Libertadores?
The signs were there from the start that Palmeiras would prove tough customers, as they advanced from Group B in top spot with five wins, a draw and just two goals conceded in a formidable opening to the tournament.
Ecuador's Delfin proved no match in the last 16, falling 3-1 at home before suffering a 5-1 thrashing to bow out of their first experience of the Copa knockout phase.
Libertad pushed the Brazilians a little harder, but still to no avail: a tough-fought 1-1 draw in Asuncion was followed by Palmeiras running riot in the second leg to win 3-0.
River were subjected to the same result in the semi-final first leg, which suggested the Verdao would cruise through to the final. But it proved rather more difficult for the Sao Paulo side: the Millonario won 2-0 in the return match and also saw a goal ruled out for offside, making their opponents sweat until the very last minute before they sealed their spot in the final.
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Santos finished top of Group G with a near-perfect 16 points from 18, although they then faced a potential banana skin in the last 16 in the shape of Ecuador Liga de Quito.
The Brazilians pulled off a major coup in prevailing 2-1 in the altitude of Quito, a result that meant they could afford to lose a bad-tempered return and still progress on away goals.
The Peixe were then unlucky to see Gremio level at 1-1 deep into injury time of the all-Brazilian quarter final, first leg, but they proved too strong in the return as a superlative performance from young sensation Kaio Jorge led them to a 4-1 thrashing at Vila Belmiro and easy passage into the last four.
Boca held out for a 0-0 draw in the Bombonera, but they had no answer to Santos' quality in the second leg. Cuca's charges ran out emphatic 3-0 winners to set up a date with Palmeiras in the Maracana.
Palmeiras and Santos team news and preview
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira picked an entirely changed starting line-up for Tuesday's Brasileirao match with Vasco, in a bid to save his first-teamers for the big game at the weekend.
The likes of Weverton, Gustavo Gomez, Luiz Adriano and Gabriel Menino will all therefore return to take on Santos, while there are no new injury worries for the Verdao.
Santos are also at near-full strength, with only Jobson, Carlos Sánchez and Raniel unavailable for Saturday's test.
Goalkeeper John will start having missed out on the second leg against Boca with coronavirus, the only change expected from Cuca to the team which downed the Xeneize 3-0.
Probable Palmeiras XI: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gómez, Viña; Danilo, Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino, Raphael Veiga; Rony, Luiz Adriano..
Probable Santos XI: John; Pará, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Felipe Jonatan; Alison, Diego Pituca, Lucas Braga; Marinho, Kaio Jorge, Soteldo.
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