River Plate set to host Globo in a pivotal clash for the quarterfinals
River Plate is poised to welcome Globo in a high-stakes encounter that could vault the club into the quarterfinals of the competition. After a rough stretch at the start of the second half of the season, marked by eliminations from the Copa Libertadores and national duty, the team has found its footing again. A string of seven wins in nine fixtures has placed the Millionaires atop Zone A of the Professional League Cup, just one win away from sealing their advance to the next phase.
In the upcoming 12th round, River will entertain Huracán, who currently hold third place in the group. A victory would extend River’s remarkable home winning streak to 21 straight, while simultaneously locking in a spot in the tournament’s second stage. The match is scheduled for Friday, November 3, kicking off at 9 p.m. at the Monumental, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and confident home performances.
The river spirit stands tall as the club eyes a positive result against a sturdy opponent. If River maintains its form, it can not only prolong a storied home success run but also cement its place at the top of the group standings, increasing the likelihood of a favorable draw in the knockout rounds. This double objective adds extra motivation for the squad and its supporters as the season nears its critical juncture.
Key squad updates ahead of kickoff
Coach Martín Demichelis welcomed encouraging news during the buildup. Nicolás De la Cruz, who had been sidelined due to an inflammation in the left Achilles tendon, joined team training on Monday and appeared to be progressing well. This development suggested a possible return to action after missing several games, though the medical staff continues to monitor his recovery over the next 24 hours. With Tuesday off, the team will assess De la Cruz’s ability to resume full training on Wednesday without aggravating the issue.
Beyond De la Cruz, the rest of the squad is available for selection. The decision for any rotation rests with the coach, who will weigh the tactical needs against the freshness of the players for the decisive stretch. There is speculation about whether Sebastián Boselli, the most recent arrival among reinforcements, will be trusted in a matchday role given his limited integration time and his status as one of the non-regular substitutes in recent plans.
As the coaches weigh options, attention also centers on how De la Cruz’s potential return could influence the balance in midfield and attack. The team management remains cautious, recognizing the importance of managing fitness while preserving the competitive edge needed to meet the season’s ambitious targets.
River’s formation choices and tactical whispers
Initially, anticipation pointed toward a familiar lineup that had recently defeated Independiente. However, at the last moment, Demichelis opted to start Enzo Díaz in place of Milton Casco. This shift signals the coaching staff’s readiness to adapt to the opponent’s shape and to leverage available offensive options. Although nothing is guaranteed beyond this adjustment, the door remains open for further tweaks, including the possible reintroduction of De la Cruz for Rodrigo Aliendro should conditions allow.
Such decisions reveal a pragmatic approach aimed at maximizing balance between defense and attack, while preserving the depth necessary to endure the demanding schedule ahead. The coach’s ability to recalibrate on the fly will be tested as the league phase tightens and the stakes rise with every fixture.
Source: Goal