River Plate vs. Universitario: Copa Libertadores Match Predictions

River Plate and Universitario, Group B's top two teams, play at Estadio Monumental on Tuesday. River has qualified for the knockout round, but their guests hope to join them. They have a two-point advantage over Independiente del Valle in second place heading into the penultimate matchday.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

River Plate, the four-time South American champions, are chasing their first Copa Libertadores title since 2018 and have gone undefeated in the group stage. They last defeated Ecuador's Independiente 6-2 at home and have 11 points in Group B. However, they were eliminated from the Argentine Primera Division playoffs, reducing their chances of winning Apertura. River lost 4-2 in a shootout after a late draw with Platense in the quarterfinals. Los Millonarios, who scored 19 goals in their past six games and won five, will aim to emulate their April success against Independiente.

Universitario, led by Jorge Fossati, has seven points from their other four group-stage matches, putting them in control. Independiente may descend to the Copa Sudamericana with a third-place result. Alex Valera's goal beat Barcelona in La U's most recent continental match, and the Peruvian team won and lost 2-0 in local play. Universitario lost to Juan Pablo II but defeated Sporting Cristal to tie Alianza Lima for first place in the Apertura.

River Plate x Universitario Team News 

River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo may change his starting lineup after a bitter defeat in the league playoffs. First place in Group B is virtually assured. Miguel Borja and Manuel Lanzini are among the numerous bench candidates for promotion.

Due to injuries, Maximiliano Meza, Matias Rojas, Pity Martinez, and Gonzalo Montiel will miss the match.

Center-forward Sebastian Driussi leads River's Copa Libertadores, scoring three goals, usually accompanied by Premier League prodigy Franco Mastantuono.

No one has scored twice for Universitario.  Edison Flores scored in Friday's league triumph against Allianza and should play up top with Alex Valera.

Jose Rivera and Horacio Calcaterra are injured as La U tries to finish second, and captain Aldo Corzo is doubtful.

Our Predictions

Full-time draw @ 4.50 on Sky247.ng

After losing the Argentinian Apertura playoffs, River has nothing to play for other than pride, as they are already in first position. Since La U needs more points, they might fight to a draw and go to the Copa Libertadores knockouts.

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