The first leg of an Argentinian Copa Libertadores last-16 tie takes place at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani on Wednesday evening, as Velez Sarsfield play host to River Plate with kickoff at 3:30 am.
The last-16 curse has bedevilled Velez Sarsfield during their three most recent stints in the pinnacle of South American football, and Vaccari’s outfit will not expect to be heading into their next battle at this stage of the Copa Libertadores as favourites.
In 2019, Velez Sarsfield won two, drew two, and lost two of six group matches to just about hold off the threat of Uruguayan outfit Nacional and advance to the knockout rounds, which was sealed on the sixth matchday courtesy of an eye-catching 4-0 success over group winners Estudiantes.
However, Vaccari’s side have only managed one win in four Argentina Primera Division matches since advancing to the last-16 of the Copa Libertadores; they were knocked out by Barcelona SC in 2021 edition.
River Plate’s run to the Copa Libertadores knockout rounds was a smooth one, as they scored 18 goals and conceded just three while dropping just two points en route to the next stage of the tournament.
Marcelo Gallardo’s outfit were one of only three sides to make it through to the last-16 without losing a game, alongside Palmeiras and Flamengo, while conceding just a trio of goals represents the joint-best defensive record in the competition so far.
Velez Sarsfield vs River Plate Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other with hosts taking two wins while visitors with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Justicia 1-1 Sarsfield
- Sarsfield 2-0 Rosario
- Racing Club 2-0 Sarsfield
- Sarsfield 0-1 Platense
Away
- River Plate 2-0 Lanus
- Santa Fe 1-5 River Plate
- Santa Fe 1-0 River Plate
- River Plate 0-0 Atletico Tucuman
Velez Sarsfield Team News
Velez Sarsfield recently bolstered their defence with the signing of former Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin, but the 36-year-old needs time to build up his fitness and may not be ready for Wednesday’s match. The hosts are otherwise well-stocked for their first-leg clash and will expect to displace Agustin Mulet in the XI.
River Plate Team News
Should De la Cruz not be fit enough to start, Santiago Simon will be ready to step in and Robert Rojas, Matias Suarez, Milton Casco and Felipe Biafore are also nursing injuries. Elias Gomez should continue to fill in for the stricken Casco at left-back.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts will struggle to keep a red-hot Alvarez at bay for 90 minutes in the absence of their two most inspirational centre-backs.
- Away Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
