The millionaire already detects his foe well before the round of 16 of the premier continental tournament.
This Libertadores cup feels tailored for River, marking the first edition without Marcelo Gallardo in eight years. With the Doll no longer guiding the club back to those grand continental nights, Martin Demichelis stepped in and was met with high expectations from fans and analysts alike.
What time and when does River play in 2023
In Núñez, Group D presented a formidable challenge. The team opened with two defeats in the first trio of matches. Yet patience paid off: in recent fixtures they steadied the ship and climbed back into a promotion spot, ultimately finishing second on goal difference behind Fluminense, which earned them a place in Bombo II for the knockout draw.
The landscape of possibilities remained broad. River could have faced any of the eight group winners, and the prospect of a blockbuster clash against a bitter rival added extra drama. In what was widely anticipated, the draw settled the River Internacional pairing as the eighth-final opponent, a match that sparked heat and conversation among fans across the continent.
The Colorados, leaders of Group B with twelve points, carried an undefeated streak in their league campaign, boasting three wins and three draws. Their form created a real challenge for River, setting the stage for a visually striking cross‑conference duel that would test tactical flexibility and depth in both squads.
WHEN THE RIVER AND INTERNACIONAL MATCHES ARE PLAYED IN THE EIGHTH FINAL
Having finished second, the millionaire must play the first leg away from home. The opening clash is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, at 9 p.m., at the Monumental, with the return leg exactly one week later on Tuesday, August 8, also at 9 p.m., at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre. The two fixtures promise a contest defined by intensity, counter-punches, and the strategic chess match between managers as they navigate the knockout stage grind.
As the buildup continues, supporters anticipate a test of character and technique that could define River’s season. The clash against Internacional is not just a battle for advancement; it is a statement about how the team adapts under new leadership and how the squad translates league rhythm into continental resolve.
In analyzing the tactical implications, Demichelis may lean on a compact defensive shape, quick transitions, and a reliance on a frontline capable of exploiting narrow spaces. Internacional, with its own blend of experience and energy, will seek to impose pressure through high pressing and rapid ball movement to disrupt River’s build-up. The balance between control and aggression will determine which team gains the decisive edge in the two-legged duel.
Historically, these two clubs bring a cultural weight to South American football that transcends the pitch. The fanbases carry memories of exhilarating matches, dramatic late goals, and the kind of momentum that can tilt a knockout tie. This series stands as a test of resilience and focus, where each moment—set-piece execution, disciplined defense, and patient attacking sequences—could tip the balance toward qualification for the next round.
Ultimately, both teams enter the tie with something to prove. River seeks to affirm the stability of its post-Gallardo era, showing that the club can compete at the highest level with a modern, methodical approach. Internacional aims to reinforce its own status as a continental heavyweight, demonstrating that consistent performance can weather the storms of knockout football. The stage is set for a memorable confrontation that will be remembered by fans in Canada, the United States, and across North America who follow the Libertadores with keen interest. (Goal)