Palmeiras survive a late collapse, win shootout to reach Copa Libertadores semifinals

In a dramatic Copa Libertadores quarterfinal, Brazil’s Palmeiras advanced to the semifinals after a tense penalty shootout against Liga Universitaria de Quito. Despite leading 3-1 with goals from Marlon Freitas and Vitor Roque, Palmeiras conceded two late goals to Luis Segovia and Michael Estrada, forcing penalties. Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel became the hero by saving two penalty attempts, securing Palmeiras’s place in the semifinals for the sixth time in seven years. They will face Fluminense next. Meanwhile, Estudiantes de La Plata reached the semifinals for the first time since 2009, defeating Corinthians 1-0 with a late goal from Alexis Castro. Estudiantes awaits the winner of Flamengo vs. Independiente del Valle. The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for November 28 in Montevideo, Uruguay. QUESTION: How might the pressure of high-stakes games like these impact the players’ performance and mental health?