The home side enters this second round following a defeat in their league opener against Wanderers, losing 1-0. River Plate generally performs better at home, as evidenced by their last 30 matches where they have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses as a visitor, compared to 4 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses at home. In their last 7 home matches in the league, River Plate has achieved 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, accumulating 7 points from a possible 21. The most common result at halftime in their home games has been 0-0, occurring in 5 of the last 7 matches. Defensively, they have struggled, conceding goals in 7 of their last 10 league matches. There has been a tendency for fewer goals in their home fixtures, as 12 of the last 18 games featured fewer than 3 goals. Remarkably, in the 16 matches played so far, they have never managed to turn the score around in the 10 instances they conceded first. Of their 20 goals, 9 have been scored in a concentrated period from the 76th to the 90th minute.
Following a lacklustre debut, River Plate’s recent performance has increased the pressure on the team to secure points urgently and avoid relegation. They must impose themselves in front of their home crowd, enhance their attacking efficiency, and tighten their defensive organisation. This duel is pivotal in rebuilding their confidence and getting back to winning ways. Any slip-up could worsen their standing in the league table.