River Plate vs. Santa Fe: 2016 Recopa Sudamericana Leg 2 Preview and More
The scores are all square ahead of the second leg of the 2016 Recopa Sudamericana, as Argentinian superclub River Plate welcome Colombian powerhouse Santa Fe to Estadio El Monumental to decide who claims the prestigious trophy on Thursday.
The sides played out a goalless first leg at the Estadio El Campin in Bogota, Colombia, leaving the result on a knife edge ahead of the return match.
River Plate failed to score on their trip across South America, giving the Cardinals a tangible chance of success in BuenosAires.
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The holders of the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana clash again after a war of attrition in their opening encounter.
The Colombian side had the best chances of the first leg as River held on with a firm rearguard action. The Argentinians played swiftly on the counter-attack, threatening their opponents and worrying the home support.
Tensions between the two teams was evident on the pitch as the referee oversaw a stop-start affair.
Santa Fe will be confident going into the second match, safe in the knowledge they have the away-goal rule in their favour if they find the back of the net.
River have witnessed a slump in form in the past months and are not displaying the strength and depth they had flexed as they captured their third Copa Libertadores after beating Mexico's Tigres UANL 3-0 in the 2015 final.
Ahead of the first leg, the Cardinals have won three of their previous five matches, according to Soccerway. However, the visitors are not creating enough in the box, unable to find the net twice in a game during August.
The BuenosAires crowd at El Monumental will be in full voice on Thursday, as they power their men on to more silverware to add to the famous team's trophy haul.
Santa Fe are likely to play the waiting game, allowing River the lion's share of the ball as they attempt to pick the lock with a surprise attack.
An early strike should see the hosts prevail—given Santa Fe's recent goal record—delivering the Millionaires a second Recopa Sudamericana title.
River are experiencing a golden period, winning a league title, Supercup, CopaSudamericana and CopaLibertadores in quick succession. The addition of the Recopa will have fans celebrating in the streets of the capital after the match.
Prediction: River win 2-0
