With the dates for the knockout stage of the Apertura Tournament now confirmed, Marcelo Gallardo shifts his focus towards the international goal: the Copa Libertadores. The upcoming challenge is this Thursday in Guayaquil, where River Plate will face Barcelona SC. The coach is closely studying the opponent as he prepares the team for this crucial match.
Gallardo will welcome back Pablo Díaz and Lucas Martínez to the lineup for this encounter, as he assembles his squad to take on a confident Barcelona team, fresh off a 2-1 victory against Cuniburo in the local league.
In that recent match, Barcelona SC, bolstered by a goal from Gabriel Cortez, secured a significant win at home against a visiting team that had remained unbeaten. This serves as a wake-up call for Gallardo, emphasizing the strength of Barcelona as hosts.
Currently, Barcelona SC leads the Serie A in Ecuador after ten matches, boasting eight victories and only two losses, accumulated with 24 points, along with a goal tally of 16 scored and 11 conceded.
In the Copa Libertadores, Barcelona has achieved four points during the first half of Group B, starting with a win at home against Independiente del Valle, followed by a goalless draw against River, and a narrow defeat against Universitario at home.
This upcoming match represents a critical moment for River Plate, as they aim to build on their performance in both domestic and international competitions. With Gallardo’s strategic adjustments and the returning key players, there is optimism surrounding River’s prospects against Barcelona SC.
Overall, anticipation builds not only for a competitive match but also for River Plate’s journey in the Copa Libertadores, where overcoming formidable teams will be essential for their advancement in the tournament.