River Plate’s Cup Campaign Roads and Rescues
The club faced the season’s sharpest heartbreak when it was eliminated from the Monumental by Tigre with a 2-1 result. River Plate’s long-term goal has always been the Copa Libertadores, yet the opportunity to seize a local title slipped away. With the domestic setback behind them, the focus sharpens on finishing the group stage of the international competition and plotting a swift return to form.
River Plate’s Copa Libertadores 2022 Schedule
Fresh off a 1-1 draw in Brazil against Fortaleza, Marcelo Gallardo’s squad leads Group F with ten points. A single point would secure a place in the knockout rounds, and Núñez will test his team against Colo Colo, the group’s closest pursuer, three points behind. If River replicates the triumph earned in Santiago, they will also clinch first place in the pool and set up a smoother path to the round of 16.
CALLED UP LIST
Marcelo Gallardo made a bold call after the defeat to Tigre, granting the squad an extra day off and announcing a delayed return to training until Saturday. The team’s next league match against Cacique is still several days away. The spotlight centers on Juan Fernando Quintero, who faced pre-match pressure for the domestic competition, did not respond as hoped, and ultimately did not feature in the matchday squad. Matías Suárez will not be available for selection either.
River Plate’s confirmed squad for the 2022 Copa Libertadores
TRAINING CAMP INSIGHTS
Beyond the stumble against Tigre, the coach remains confident in his core lineup, at least in its most familiar arrangement. The remaining doubt lies in the midfield, where Tomás Pochettino did not produce his best form. In that position, options include Santiago Simón, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela, and even a potential return for Juanfer Quintero. The starting eleven is expected to feature Franco Armani in goal; a backline of Andrés Herrera, Paulo Díaz, David Martínez, and Milton Casco; a midfield trio of Enzo Pérez, Enzo Fernández, and Tomás Pochettino or Nicolás De La Cruz; with Esequiel Barco supporting from the attack and Julián Álvarez spearheading the lines. This setup reflects River’s attempt to balance solidity with offensive creativity as the Libertadores campaign resumes.
In Brazil, the face of the River Plate project is on full display. The club remains a work in progress, with a strong focus on blending experience with youth to compete across both domestic and international stages. The tactical plan is designed to maximize pressure, build from the back, and exploit quick transitions when opportunities arise. The team’s management stresses consistency, demanding performances that translate into meaningful results as the group phase concludes and the knockouts take shape.
— River Plate supporters share messages of hope and anticipation across social channels, underscoring the emotional stakes of each Libertadores game. Commentators and fans alike look for the next decisive performance that could redefine the season’s trajectory.
SUBSTITUTES
Key replacements considered for squad rotation include Petroli, Centurión, González Pirez, Pinola, Mammana, Gómez, Zuculini, Palavecino, Paradela, Ferreira, Simón, and Romero. Goalkeepers and forwards are kept ready to adjust to the opponent’s approach and the flow of the match. The depth on River Plate’s bench is viewed as a potential edge in a tightly contested group stage that tests both fitness and tactical adaptability.
Sources indicate the club remains vigilant in scouting opportunities and maintaining readiness for every Libertadores fixture, with Goal highlighting the day’s strategic decisions and team dynamics.