The Millionaire Faces a Tough Road Trip to Rosario as Cup Libertadores Hopes Loom
The spotlight falls on an important weekend for River Plate as they head to Rosario this Sunday. While the club contends with a demanding schedule, thoughts are already turning toward Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores clash, a fixture that holds significant weight for their campaign and momentum.
River Plate continues to dominate the Binance Tournament 2023, capturing momentum as the season progresses. By the close of the eleventh round, the team sits at the top of the standings with a four-point cushion over San Lorenzo, their nearest rivals. A remarkable run has seen the squad string together six consecutive wins while keeping a clean sheet in every match, underscoring a formidable defensive discipline and attacking efficiency that has supporters optimistic about the remainder of the campaign.
Binance Professional League Tournament 2023: standings, fixtures and results
The schedule now requires a visit to Rosario, where River must contend with the upcoming stage matchup on Sunday, April 16, at 7 p.m. local time. The travel date adds another layer to a busy period, but it is part of the demanding calendar that defines River Plate’s season as they chase more points and pride on the domestic front while maintaining eyes on continental ambitions.
RIVER’S RETURN, A SIGN OF RESERVE STRENGTH
The return of Nicolas de La Cruz stands as a key narrative as River prepares for the clash against Gimnasia. The Uruguayan international had been sidelined with a niggle that kept him off the field and slowed his minutes since the prior match against Unión. There is a cautious approach from the coaching staff, who prefer to ensure a full recovery before reintegrating him into competitive action. Still, expectations are high that he will rejoin the squad soon, contributing once again to the team’s balance and quality in midfield and attack.
Equally significant is the ongoing progression of Matias Kranevitter. The midfielder has been training with the group, and there is growing optimism that he will be available for selection in the near term, potentially returning between the end of April and the start of May. His presence adds a layer of depth in the engine room, offering control, distribution, and an additional option for the coaching staff as the season unfolds.
RIVER’S LINEUP STRATEGY FOR THE LIBERTADORES CLASH
In the days following the test against Lepra, River Plate eyes a crucial Copa Libertadores encounter with Sporting Cristal. To navigate the Rosario fixture successfully, manager Martin Demichelis is expected to rotate the squad, ensuring fresh legs while maintaining the balance that has underpinned recent successes. Changes across the park are anticipated, with minutes likely to go to Mammana, Paradela, Palavecino, Simón, Solari, and Borja, among others, as the coach prioritizes sustainable performance across a packed schedule.
ALTERNATIVE PLANS
The exact tactical setup and lineup are to be confirmed as the team refines its approach ahead of kickoff. River Plate remains focused on delivering a complete performance that can translate domestic dominance into international results, especially with the Libertadores campaign edging closer to its decisive phases.
Source: Goal