River Plate plays the prestige and dream of being a finalist during his visit to Palmeiras, on Tuesday January 12, in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final. However, the Brazilian side ends at home with a 3-0 lead, so those led by Marcelo Gallardo need a miracle to reach a heroic qualifier.
After the important victory in the first leg, the Brazilian team guarantees their presence in the final, scheduled for January 30 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, with a win by any score, a draw or even a defeat by two goals difference. .
In contrast, to reach the round of 16 in the Libertadores, River must win 3-0 to take over the definition of penalties or win by three or more goals.
The excellent performance of the ‘verdao’ in Buenos Aires makes it possible to foresee that his coach, the Portuguese Abel Ferreira, will repeat the starter in Sao Paulo, although he will have to replace midfielder Patrick de Paula, who due to his suspension is not on the grid. field can step. Also in doubt are Gabriel Verón and Rafael Veiga, who felt sore muscles after Saturday’s game for the Brazilian championship against Sport, apparently caused by the overgrown grass of the Ilha do Retiro stadium, which demanded more from the players.
Luan and Paraguayan Gustavo Gómez sound safe for Tuesday’s game, but Chilean Benjamin Kuscevic’s excellent performance in the 0-1 win over Sport does not allow him to rule out his participation against River.
The good results of Palmeiras are the result of the strategy of the Portuguese coach, who, after his replacement for Wanderley Luxembourg last November, managed to improve the performance of the ‘verdao’ by qualifying him for the final of the Copa do Brasil and one step away from reaching the final of the Libertadores after 20 years of waiting.
The situation for River is not easy and those led by Marcelo Gallardo need a miracle to overcome the 0-3.
For Colombian Jorge Carrascal, who was sent off in the first leg, Gallardo could replace him with Federico Girotti, who has shown excellent conditions at just 21 years old, but can also decide on Julián Álvarez, although he is not at his best is.
The defense should also have adjustments, with Paulo Díaz, Robert Rojas and Javier Pinola in the center, and Gonzalo Montiel and Fabrizio Angileri in the wings.