Palmeiras head to Bolivia as group leaders, but they are unlikely to find the trip straightforward. The match will take place at an altitude of 3,700 metres above sea level — a factor that should not be underestimated.
The thin air at high altitude remains Bolívar’s key advantage. This played a decisive role in their 3:0 win over Sporting Cristal in the second round of the group stage. While altitude is less of a factor in domestic fixtures where all teams play under similar conditions, Bolívar are a strong squad in their own right, and currently hold the national title.
Palmeiras are also a quality outfit, having finished second in the Brazilian league. However, in the previous Copa Libertadores campaign, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by eventual champions Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas (1:2, 2:2). Bolívar also made it to the knockout round, finishing top of their group and putting up a strong fight against Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in the opening round. Despite a 0:2 loss at Maracanã, they managed a 1:0 win in the second leg on home soil.
These sides last faced each other in the group stage two years ago. Bolívar won (3:1) at home but suffered a 0:4 defeat away. A similar pattern could emerge again — with the Bolivian team expected to make the most of home advantage.
