Following an unexpected elimination in the quarter-finals of the domestic Apertura championship, River Plate will clash with Universitario in a crucial matchup of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Scheduled for Tuesday night local time, this match represents River Plate’s final official fixture ahead of their participation in the Club World Cup.
Despite already securing advancement to the Round of 16, River Plate aims to conclude their Group B campaign on a high note at the iconic Monumental Stadium. Head coach Marcelo Gallardo’s squad is under pressure to deliver a strong performance following their recent penalty shootout defeat to Platense, with fans eager to see their team finish first in the group standings, a position that could be vital for the knockout stages.
Key players Gonzalo Montiel and Maxi Meza will be unavailable due to injuries, yet River Plate is expected to leave nothing to chance in pursuit of victory.
On the other hand, Universitario, under the rejuvenating leadership of coach Jorge Fossati, is looking to capitalize on their recent momentum. After experiencing back-to-back losses to River Plate in Lima and Independiente del Valle in Quito, the team has rallied with two wins and a draw since Fossati’s appointment. A victory at the Monumental would allow Universitario to advance as group runners-up, while any other result would leave them dependent on the outcome of the concurrent match between Independiente del Valle and Barcelona. Should they fail to qualify for the knockout rounds, they are assured a spot in the second-tier Copa Sudamericana.
River Plate is currently favored at 1/3 odds, while Universitario stands at 7/1, with a draw offered at 7/2.
The match is expected to ignite excitement as River Plate will look for an early goal, a pattern they have established even amidst defensive challenges. In their past five outings, they have frequently found the back of the net early, often before the 30-minute mark.
For fans looking to catch the action, the match will be held at El Monumental, starting at 21:30 local time (01:30 in the U.K.). Although live coverage may not be available in the U.K., highlights will be accessible via BBC iPlayer and on the CONMEBOL Libertadores YouTube channel.
This encounter not only provides an opportunity for River Plate to regain confidence but also serves as a pivotal moment for Universitario to build on their resurgence under new management. It promises to be an intriguing clash with significant implications for both sides as they seek to secure their paths in the prestigious Copa Libertadores.