Huracan – River
Huracán returned to winning ways on Matchday 8, rising to the occasion to defeat one of the standout teams of the season with a 3–1 home victory over previously unbeaten Belgrano. El Globo strengthened their position inside the playoff qualification zone in Group B with 12 points, having won three of their last five matches in the Torneo Apertura —along with one draw and one defeat. In fact, Diego Martínez’s side have now won their last three games at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó. River Plate continue to struggle in their search for their best form. On Matchday 8, with Marcelo Escudero in interim charge following the departure of long-time manager Marcelo Gallardo, the team were fortunate to come away with a 1–1 draw in their visit to Independiente Rivadavia. Despite winning only one of their last six league matches —two draws and three defeats— El Millonario remain inside the playoff qualification zone in Group B with 11 points. River will have the debut of new coach Eduardo Coudet and with playmaker Juanfer Quintero back from injury I expect them to recover from their recent poor performances and beat Huracan who won’t have one of their best players, Oscar Cortez.