Independiente del Valle (Ecuador) vs River Plate (Argentina)
With a goal from Jordy Alcívar in the 82nd minute, Independiente del Valle secured a very valuable 1-0 home victory over Universitario de Deportes in Matchday 2 of the Copa Libertadores. The team earned their first three points in Group B and are third, just one point behind Barcelona SC and River Plate. On Saturday, with a largely rotated lineup, they defeated Manta FC 2-0 at home, maintaining their position as leaders of LigaPro with 18 points from nine rounds. Independiente have won four consecutive matches across all competitions and remain unbeaten in their last seven home matches (three wins and four draws). River Plate delivered a poor performance in their most recent Copa Libertadores match, drawing 0-0 at home against Barcelona SC. Both teams now have four points and are tied as leaders of Group B. Last Friday, El Millonario secured a commanding 3-0 victory in their visit to Gimnasia LP, ensuring their spot in the playoffs and bringing their total to 25 points from 14 matches. Marcelo Gallardo’s men are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions (with four wins and five draws) and have not lost as visitors in 2025, recording three wins and five draws. Miguel Borja, affected by a minor muscle issue, did not travel to Ecuador. Paulo Díaz remains injured, while Marcos Acuña and Enzo Pérez will rest. In fact, coach Marcelo Gallardo will pick an alternative XI. River has the Superclasico against Boca next weekend so they can afford to lose here and they won’t take any risks not to arrive in the best possible form for the weekend game against their all time rival and they know they will very likely advance in this competition having the last two games at home. The hosts also have the altitude factor in their favor so at these odds they are a good bet.