The coaching change paid off. Prediction for the Independiente Rivadavia vs Fluminense match
In the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Independiente Rivadavia will face Fluminense. The game is set for the night of Wednesday, August 19, with kickoff at 00:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this clash.
Head-to-head and statistical facts
- Rivadavia have failed to score in their last two matches.
- Fluminense have drawn each of their last four away games and haven’t won on the road since mid-April.
- The teams met in the group stage: 1-1 draw and a 2-1 win for the Argentinians.
- The first leg of the round of 16 ended goalless.
Independiente Rivadavia are enjoying an impressive campaign in this year’s Copa Libertadores. The team went through the group stage unbeaten, with victories over Bolívar and Deportivo La Guaira, as well as an away win against Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro (2-1) and a 1-1 draw at home with the same opponent.
Meanwhile, in the Argentine domestic league, the team hasn’t looked as convincing. At the start of the Clausura, Rivadavia drew 0-0 with Atlético Tucumán, defeated Huracán and Estudiantes, but lost to Sarmiento and Belgrano. So, heading into the return leg with Fluminense, the side has shown both strong results and some defensive inconsistencies.
The hosts’ main asset remains their composure at home and their ability to play solid defensive football. In three home group stage matches, Rivadavia won twice and conceded just two goals. Moreover, the Argentinians have already proved they can handle Fluminense: the 2-1 win in Brazil was one of their standout results in the tournament. Now, they’ll look to repeat that feat in a match with even higher stakes.
Fluminense head into this second leg in a tough spot. After a goalless draw with Rivadavia, the club parted ways with Luis Zubeldía, who had been at the helm since September 2025. The Argentine coach left following an eight-match winless streak, and Marcão was named interim manager. That means this return leg in Mendoza will be a massive test for the team in a new coaching era.
In the group stage, Fluminense looked far less stable than their current opponents. The Brazilians started the tournament poorly, collecting just one point from their first three matches. Ultimately, Fluminense only advanced thanks to a late surge at the end of the group phase.
Amid their Libertadores struggles, the Brazilian league has recently given Fluminense a bit of optimism. After Zubeldía’s dismissal, Marcão’s team defeated Palmeiras 3-2, coming from behind twice and clinching victory with late goals from Serna and Germán Cano.
What’s the bet?
Psychologically, beating Palmeiras could be a huge boost, but now Fluminense must transfer that momentum to the continental stage. The goalless draw in the first leg leaves the Brazilians with little margin for error: any scoring draw away would put them in a difficult position, and Rivadavia have already shown they can trouble even the strongest defenses. Fluminense will need to prove their status as the more experienced and decorated club, and my bet is on the Brazilians to avoid defeat.
