Colo-Colo vs. River Plate: A Clash of Titans in the Copa Libertadores Quarterfinals

The Copa Libertadores quarter-finals begin on Tuesday, with Colo-Colo welcoming River Plate to Estadio Monumental David Arellano for the opening leg of that tie.

Entering the Libertadores knockout phase on a five-match winless run was not the ideal momentum Colo-Colo were hoping for in their first knockout stage appearance at this tournament since 2018.

A pair of one-goal victories in their round of 16 tie with Junior enabled the Chileans to advance 3-1 on aggregate, while La Banda had the same results versus Talleres Cordoba.

Fortunately, Jorge Almiron's men came through with a pair of one-goal victories, including their first away triumph in the competition this year the last time out (2-1).

Colo-Colo are in fine form at home, winning seven consecutive matches across all competitions at Estadio Monumental David Arellano.

On Tuesday, they have an opportunity to win a quarter-final match in this competition for the first time since defeating Universidad Catolica 3-1 in 1997 and advancing into the next round 4-3 on aggregate.

They have not found the back of the net at this stage of the Libertadores this century, losing both of their quarter-final fixtures against Palmeiras in 2018.

On Tuesday, Eterno Campeon are in danger of suffering two successive competitive defeats for the first time since April of this year (three).

Marcelo Gallardo's men have won their last four matches at this tournament and are unbeaten across all competitions in their previous nine games.

This week, they will make their first quarter-final appearance at this tournament since 2021, while they have not made it beyond this stage since 2020 (semi-finals).

Three of their victories in the tournament this year were away from home, including a 1-0 triumph over Talleres Cordoba in the previous round.

In the last 16, the Argentines were pushed hard by a resolute defensive unit, but in the end, they maintained their unbeaten form at the Libertadores this year.

To this point of the Copa Libertadores, River Plate have yet to lose when scoring the opening goal, dropping points in only one instance in that scenario (2-2 draw versus Nacional).

Los Millonarios have won their last four Libertadores fixtures versus Colo-Colo and are unbeaten at home against them in this competition, posting a 4-0 victory the last time out in 2022.

Key Battles

Midfield Maestro vs. Defensive Wall

Colo-Colo's midfield maestro, Vicente Pizarro, is a vital part of their game plan. His ability to control the tempo and orchestrate attacks makes him a key player for the Chileans. However, Pizarro's presence will be missed in this match due to a broken jaw sustained in Chile's recent match against Bolivia. His absence will likely affect Colo-Colo's ability to dictate the pace of the game, as his influence is paramount.

River Plate, on the other hand, boasts a formidable defensive wall that has been instrumental in their success this season. The Argentine giants have conceded just six goals in their last nine matches.

River Plate's defense has been a major factor in their success this season. Their defensive unit, led by the experienced German Pezzella and Marcos Acuña, has proven difficult to break down.

The battle between Colo-Colo's midfield and River Plate's defense will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this match. Colo-Colo's midfielders will need to find ways to penetrate River Plate's defense, while River Plate's defenders will need to remain disciplined and organized to prevent Colo-Colo from creating scoring opportunities.

Striker Showdown

The battle between the strikers will be another key factor in this match.

Colo-Colo's attack will be spearheaded by the experienced Javier Correa and the promising Lucas Cepeda. Both players have proven themselves to be capable goalscorers.

River Plate's attack is led by the prolific Miguel Borja, who has been in excellent form this season. Borja's ability to find the back of the net has been crucial to River Plate's success.

The battle between these strikers will be a fascinating one to watch. Both players will be eager to prove their worth and help their respective teams secure a victory.

Head-to-Head

River Plate have a strong record against Colo-Colo in the Copa Libertadores. Los Millonarios have won their last four Libertadores fixtures versus Colo-Colo and are unbeaten at home against them in this competition, posting a 4-0 victory the last time out in 2022. This historical dominance gives River Plate a psychological edge, but Colo-Colo will be looking to use their home advantage to upset the odds.

Form Guide

Colo-Colo are currently in second place in the Chilean league, trailing Universidad de Chile by four points. They are in fine form at home, winning seven consecutive matches across all competitions at Estadio Monumental David Arellano.

River Plate, meanwhile, are in ninth place in the Argentine league. Despite this, they are unbeaten across all competitions in their previous nine games, winning their last four matches at this tournament.

Team News

Colo-Colo will be without the services of Vicente Pizarro, who is out with a broken jaw. Cesar Fuentes is also sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.

On the River Plate side, Rodrigo Aliendro is dealing with a shoulder issue that will likely keep him sidelined until late October, and Pity Martinez is expected to return from a cruciate ligament tear in the middle of next month.

Prediction

River Plate have not been affected by opposing crowds so far, and we believe their patience and resolute defending will frustrate Colo-Colo. The Chileans will be desperate to have an advantage heading to Argentina, which could create an opening for the visitors to strike and steal a victory. We are predicting a tight encounter, with River Plate edging out a 1-0 victory.