This Thursday, August 14, 2025, River He will face Libertad de Paraguay at the Tigo Stadium La Huerta de Asunción, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores de América. The meeting, which will begin at 21:30, represents a key instance for both teams in their search to advance in the most prestigious continental tournament in South America.
River It reaches this phase as one of the favorites to the title, after first ending in group B with 12 points, product of three victories and three draws. The team led by Marcelo Gallardo showed solidity in the group stage, surpassing rivals as a university in Peru, Independiente del Valle and Barcelona in Ecuador.
Libertad, on the other hand, classified as second in Group D, behind San Pablo. The Paraguayan team, led by Sergio Aquino, added nine points with two wins, three draws and a defeat. Although it does not start as a favorite, it will seek to hit at home and arrive with chances to the second leg at the Monumental stadium.
The match will be played at the Tigo La Huerta stadium, with capacity for 15,000 spectators. An important presence of millionaire fans who traveled to Paraguay is expected to accompany the team in this crucial meeting. The referee will be the Brazilian Wilton Sampaio, assisted from the VAR by Rodolpho Toski.
River Plate It crosses an irregular moment. While the semester began with win against Platense and Institute of Córdoba in the Clausura Tournament, his last presentations left doubts: he tied without goals against San Lorenzo and Independiente, showing difficulties in the generation of play.
In addition, Gallardo faces several sensitive casualties in defense. Germán Pezzella suffered ligament break, Lucas Martínez Quarta is injured and Lautaro Rivero was not included in the list of good faith. This will force DT to improvise a central rear with Sebastián Boselli and Paulo Díaz, who recently recovered from a synovitis.
Changes
In the midfield of Riverthe main unknown is who will accompany Enzo Pérez and Kevin Castaño. The Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero, Giuliano Galoppo and the youth Santiago Lencina dispute that place. In attack, Miguel Borja and Facundo Colidio will be headlines, while Sebastián Driussi, already recovered, could add minutes from the bank.
Freedom also comes with the right. In his last match for the Paraguayan League he drew 1-1 against Deportivo Recoleta, and his starting goalkeeper Rodrigo Morínigo suffered a muscle injury. The Uruguayan Martín Silva will be his replacement. The Guaraní team occupies the sixth place in the local championship and will seek to take advantage of its location to take advantage.
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