Gallardo Weighs Options Ahead of River Plate’s Libertadores Opener in Lima
Facundo Trotta Arrieta
Dailysports's expert
River Plate will begin their 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign on Wednesday with an away match against Universitario in Lima. Marcelo Gallardo's team arrived in the Peruvian capital late Tuesday, where they were warmly welcomed by around a thousand fans, including members of the club’s local supporters’ group and traveling Argentine fans.
The coach faces several decisions before finalizing his starting eleven. Forward Facundo Colidio is back from a right adductor injury suffered on March 15 and could feature from the start. His main competition is youngster Ian Subiabre, although Gallardo may opt for a more compact 4-3-2-1 formation with an additional midfielder or center-back.
Paulo Díaz returns to the lineup after playing 180 minutes for Chile during the recent World Cup qualifiers. The other center-back spot is still up for grabs between Lucas Martínez Quarta and Germán Pezzella. In midfield, Kevin Castaño could earn his first start after a brief appearance against Rosario Central.
Giuliano Galoppo has been ruled out due to a muscle relapse, but Franco Mastantuono and Maximiliano Meza are expected to handle playmaking duties.
River's starting eleven could be: Franco Armani; Fabricio Bustos, Lucas Martínez Quarta or Germán Pezzella, Paulo Díaz, Marcos Acuña; Enzo Pérez, Kevin Castaño; Maximiliano Meza, Franco Mastantuono; Ian Subiabre or Facundo Colidio and Miguel Borja.
