RIVER PLATE READY FOR THE CUP CLASH
After the hard‑fought win in Rosario, River Plate moves without delay toward the first Cup victory of the campaign. The squad aims to capitalize on its momentum as the Libertadores journey continues, hoping to maintain a flawless run and build confidence for the road ahead in the group stage.
The current streak around River Plate spans just over a month, and although it has been nearly ideal, one blemish remains. The opening match of the Libertadores group phase, played near La Paz, interrupted the run with a setback. Still, the team demonstrated resilience, and the upcoming home match at the Monumental, on the second group date, is pivotal for their international ambitions.
River Plate is set to host Sporting Cristal on Wednesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. The visiting side, led by Martín Demichelis, comes from a 3‑1 loss to The Strongest, mirroring River Plate’s own result in a separate fixture against Fluminense at home in Peru. This clash carries heavy weight as both teams seek a strong performance that could shape the remainder of the group stage.
RIVER PLATE’S PREPARATION
The squad did not have time to rest after the trip to Rosario, where a victory over Newell’s Old Boys capped the league outing. That same afternoon, the team regrouped at River Camp to focus on regeneration and tactical preparation for the Sporting Cristal match. The positive update from the medical staff is that none of the players reported physical discomfort, including Nicolás de la Cruz, who had recently resumed action following knee synovitis. As a result, the coach is not anticipated to alter the lineup of regulars who have earned their spot through consistent performances.
RIVER PLATE’S STARTING SHAPE
Against the Tetral Lepra, the coach opted to rotate several veterans who carried heavy minutes. The defense welcomed the returns of Milton Casco and Paulo Díaz, while Enzo Pérez rejoined the midfield and Lucas Beltrán took the role in attack. The question remains whether the club’s reference striker will be Salomón Rondón in the number nine position or if the role might shift to the veteran Viking in the forward line, with José Paradela contributing in playmaking duties.
Thus, the probable starting eleven could be Franco Armani in goal; Casco, González Pires, Díaz, and Enzo Díaz in defensive and wide positions; Nicolás De La Cruz, Enzo Pérez, Rodrigo Aliendro, and Nacho Fernández in midfield; Paradela or Rondón as the attacking reference, with Lucas Beltrán completing the front line.
ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS
Several tactical options remain on the table. Rondón may start as the focal point of the attack, with Paradela supplying creativity from behind or on the wing. Alternatively, the Viking could reclaim the center forward position, allowing Paradela to operate as a mezzala or playmaker in a more advanced midline. The coaching staff will weigh tempo, pressing intensity, and balance in midfield to respond to Sporting Cristal’s setup and maintain control of the match from early stages.