Former Palmeiras forward and Brazil football legend Rivaldo believes the Copa Libertadores winners have a chance at the trophy despite last year’s disappointing result.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner with Brazilian Men’s National Team sees the club as the main favourites to lift the trophy amid concerns about Chelsea’s threat.

Photo Credit: Palmeiras Official Website/ https://www.palmeiras.com.br/noticias/contra-agua-santa-dudu-chega-a-100a-vitoria-no-allianz-e-supera-valdivia-em-ranking/

Palmeiras would begin their campaign in the United Arab Emirates in the semi-final, same as Premier League side Chelsea. Rivaldo analysed the club’s chances and compared it to last season’s semi-final elimination to Mexican side Tigres UANL.

“I think this was a lesson that the team has already learned, and now it will have to enter much more focused and aware that a Mexican or Asian team in the semifinals will never be an easy game, and only then will they be able to qualify for the grand final where Chelsea should be waiting”, he to ESPN.

The two time La Liga winner with FC Barcelona also highlighted other threats Palmeiras would face in the tournament.

“Facing Chelsea will certainly be a huge challenge, especially looking at the great phase of the London team; however, just as few believed that Palmeiras could eliminate Atlético-MG or beat Flamengo. In Libertadores, it may be possible to surprise the English team on a good Brazilians day”, he concluded.

Palmeiras had named a strong squad for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in a bid to avoid a repeat of last year’s blunder against Tigres UANL.

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Other participants in the tournaments are Chelsea FC, AS Pirae, CF Monterrey, Al Ahly Egypt, Al Hilal Saudi Arabia and Al Jazira UAE.