River – Velez
River Plate finally showed signs of life on Sunday night, beating Group B leaders Argentinos Juniors 2-0 at home with goals from Gonzalo Montiel and Ángel Correa. El Millonario picked up their first three points after five rounds of the Torneo Clausura, ending a run of five consecutive league defeats and moving one point behind the last Copa Sudamericana qualification place in the overall standings. Before this match, they had lost their previous two home games this semester without scoring. Before their next league fixture, Eduardo Coudet’s side drew 0-0 away at Independiente Santa Fe on Wednesday, August 19, for the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. Vélez Sarsfield faded in the second half and eventually settled for a 1-1 home draw against Defensa y Justicia on Monday night. As a result, El Fortín dropped to second in Group A, with 11 points after the first five rounds of the Torneo Clausura (three wins and two draws), and remain third in the overall standings, occupying the final Copa Libertadores qualification place and two points behind leaders Independiente Rivadavia and Argentinos Juniors. Away, Vélez have lost just one of their last 10 matches, winning four and drawing five. Sooner than later River will start playing better because they have the best squad in the league, but Velez is a dangerous team that can hurt them so I expect an open game with at least 2 goals and both teams scoring.