River Plate is playing the prestige and dream of being a finalist in his visit to Palmeiras, this Tuesday, January 12 in the return match of the Copa Libertadores semifinal. However, the Brazilian team closes at home with a 3-0 advantage, so those led by Marcelo Gallardo need a miracle to achieve a heroic classification.
After the important first leg victory, the Brazilian team will guarantee its presence in the final, scheduled for January 30 at the Maracaná in Rio de Janeiro, with a victory by any score, a draw or even a defeat by two goals difference.
To reach its eighth final in the Libertadores, however, River needs to prevail 3-0 to bring the definition to the penalties or win by three or more goals difference.
The outstanding performance of the ‘verdao’ in Buenos Aires suggests that his coach, the Portuguese Abel Ferreira, will repeat the title in Sao Paulo, although he will have to replace midfielder Patrick de Paula, who will not be able to step on the court to be suspended. Also in doubt are Gabriel Verón and Rafael Veiga, who felt muscle discomfort after Saturday’s match for the Brazilian Championship against Sport, in the opinion produced by the grown grass of the Ilha do Retiro stadium, which demanded more to the players.
Luan and Paraguayan Gustavo Gomez sound safe for Tuesday’s game, but the excellent performance of Chilean Benjamin Kuscevic in the 0-1 victory against Sport does not rule out their participation against River.
The good results of the Palmeiras are the result of the strategy adopted by the Portuguese coach, who after replacing Wanderley Luxembourg last November managed to improve the performance of the ‘verdao’, qualifying for the final of the Copa do Brasil and one step away from reaching the Libertadores final after 20 years of waiting.
The situation for River is not easy and those led by Marcelo Gallardo need a miracle to go back to 0-3.
The Colombian Jorge Carrascal, sent off in the first leg, Gallardo could replace Federico Girotti, who has barely shown outstanding conditions for 21 years, but could also decide on Julián Álvarez, although he is not at his best. moment.
The defense should also have modifications, with Paulo Díaz, Robert Rojas and Javier Pinola in the center, and Gonzalo Montiel and Fabrizio Angileri on the sides.