River Plate Set To Face Club Ciudad De Bolívar In Copa Argentina Clash

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, River Plate, the giants of Argentine football, will face off against the Club Ciudad de Bolívar in a highly anticipated match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, kicking off at 20:15 Brasilia time. The match is part of the Copa Argentina, where excitement runs high as teams vie for a coveted trophy.

River Plate enters this match seeking to regain their winning form after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Deportivo Riestra on March 15, 2025. The reigning Superliga champions have high hopes of advancing in this competition, motivated by their recent performances and the desire to redeem themselves after a lackluster showing in the last Copa Argentina, where they were eliminated in the second phase.

The team, led by head coach Marcelo Gallardo, aims to give fans a thrilling performance against their opponents. Although River Plate is regarded as the favorite to win this match, with an estimated 60% probability of victory according to Forebet, the journey won't be without its challenges. Their defensive line is particularly thin, as several key players are injured or called up for national duty. Missing will be Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, and Paulo Díaz. In their absence, Marcelo Gallardo has opted for a slightly changed backline featuring Fabricio Bustos, Leandro González Pirez, Federico Gattoni, and Marcos Acuña.

On the other side of the pitch, Club Ciudad de Bolívar arrives fresh from a triumphant 3-1 victory over Huracán Las Heras, also on March 15, 2025. This match marked the debut for Ciudad de Bolívar in their respective division, Federal A, and they are determined to prove themselves in this national competition. The underdogs, who are experiencing a remarkable run in the Copa Argentina, have previously faced elimination but are eager to challenge expectations once again.

This match will be Ciudad de Bolívar's third appearance in the Copa Argentina, having been eliminated in their previous two attempts, including a 6-0 thrashing by Banfield in the last edition. Yet, the team, managed by Diego Funes, is set to bring a fighting spirit to the field.

Recent analyses suggest that River Plate may easily overpower their competitors based on their squad's depth and experience. However, football is notoriously unpredictable, and history has shown that seemingly inferior teams can deliver shocking performances. Club Ciudad de Bolívar will aim to rewrite their narrative by ousting a powerhouse like River Plate. The rising hopes and aspirations from the Ciudad de Bolívar camp could turn this encounter into a riveting spectacle.

Currently, Gallardo has opted for Franco Armani in goal, supported by a mix of experience and youth in the midfield and attack. With injuries keeping Sebastián Driussi and Facundo Colidio from playing and Miguel Borja taking the lead as striker, there’s pressure on the forward to find the back of the net and regain his scoring form, which has been a concern among the fans.

The excitement also extends to the tactical battle. River Plate looks to maintain possession and apply constant pressure, while Ciudad de Bolívar will likely focus on a robust defensive strategy, hoping to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. The game will be a litmus test of both teams’ resolve, with potential fireworks expected as they clash head-on.

In addition to the entertainment on the pitch, viewers can count on comprehensive coverage of the match. Fans can catch the live action via TyC Sports or stream it on other platforms available during the game.

As the matchday approaches, both teams are in a race against time to finalize their formations, with each anticipating a robust showdown. Will River Plate assert their dominance, or will Ciudad de Bolívar pull off a major upset? This Copa Argentina fixture will surely be one to remember.

Ultimately, football rests on the uncertainties of the game, and as the adage goes, “That’s why we play the games.” Regardless of the outcome, a thrilling evening of football awaits fans of both clubs as they show their unwavering support.