Group B's top two meet in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, as Argentinian giants River Plate welcome Peruvian champions Universitario to Estadio Monumental.
While River have already booked safe passage to the knockout phase, their visitors are aiming to join them, holding a two-point lead over Independiente del Valle in second place ahead of the final matchday.
Match preview
© Imago
Four-time champions of South America, River Plate are ultimately seeking their first Copa Libertadores triumph since 2018, and they have strolled through the group phase unbeaten so far.
Last time out, the Buenos Aires club came from behind to thump Ecuador's Independiente 6-2 on home turf, in a game turned on its head by the visitors going down to 10 men just before half time. Five River players found the net as Marcelo Gallardo's side moved onto 11 points, wrapping up top spot in Group B with one round remaining.
However, they were then knocked out of the Argentine Primera Division playoffs on Wednesday, ending hopes of victory in this year's Apertura.
With Superclasico rivals Boca Juniors and reigning Copa Sudamericana champions Racing Club already eliminated, it had seemed to be their title for the taking.
Yet, after snatching a late draw with Platense in their quarter-final tie, with Franco Mastantuono scoring a 112th-minute leveller from the spot, River went on to lose 4-2 in the shootout despite their 17-year-old star converting his kick once again.
Though they must now deal with disappointment, that was their first loss anywhere since March. So, having also scored 19 goals across their last six games - winning five times - Los Millonarios will still expect to repeat their win over Independiente in April's reverse fixture.
© Imago
Paulo Diaz scored the lone goal in Lima when these teams last met, making it three defeats from four Copa Libertadores clashes against River since Universitario celebrated a famous away win in 1967.
Nonetheless, Jorge Fossati's side have taken seven points from their other four matches in this season's group-stage campaign, leaving them in control of their own destiny.
Heading into the final matchday, Universitario sit just above Independiente, who are on course to drop down to the Copa Sudamericana with a third-placed finish.
Alex Valera's crucial strike secured victory over another Ecuadorian club, Barcelona, in La U's most recent continental fixture, since when the Peruvian side have both won and lost 2-0 in domestic competition.
Though Universitario suffered a shock loss to Juan Pablo II, they soon bounced back by seeing off Sporting Cristal on Friday night, leaving them level on points with Allianza Lima atop the Apertura standings.
Team News
© Imago
After enduring a painful loss in the league playoffs - and with first place in Group B already guaranteed - River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo may make changes to his starting XI, with Miguel Borja and Manuel Lanzini among many contenders for promotion from the bench.
However, the hosts will be without a number of men due to injury, including Maximiliano Meza, Matias Rojas, Pity Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel.
Usually supported by Premier League-linked starlet Franco Mastantuono, centre-forward Sebastian Driussi is River's three-goal top scorer in this season's Copa Libertadores.
Meanwhile, no-one has scored more than once for Universitario so far. One of those players, Edison Flores, also found the net in Friday's league win over Allianza, and he should partner Alex Valera up front.
As La U try to wrap up second spot, both Jose Rivera and veteran midfielder Horacio Calcaterra are unavailable due to injury, while captain Aldo Corzo is a doubt.
River Plate possible starting lineup:
Armani; Bustos, Pezzella, Martinez Quarta, Acuna; Fernandez, Perez, Lanzini; Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio
Universitario possible starting lineup:
Britos; Polo, Corzo, Riveros, Di Benedetto, Inga; Concha, Urena, Carabali; Valera, Flores
We say: River Plate 1-1 Universitario
Already assured of first place, River have little to play for - perhaps with the exception of pride, after slumping out of the Argentinian Apertura playoffs.
La U's need for points is more acute, so they could battle their way to a low-scoring draw, getting them over the line and into the Copa Libertadores knockouts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
VOTE IN THE 2024-25 SPORTS MOLE READERS' AWARDS!
Voting is now open for the annual Sports Mole Readers' Awards, where you can pick your player of the season, manager of the season, signing of the season and much more.
Click here to make your selections, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 26!
Jonathan O'Shea
