River Plate host Flamengo in Copa Libertadores Final

The biggest game in South American club football takes place on Saturday as River Plate host Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores Final.

Kicking off at 8:00pm UK time, this years Copa Libertadores final is the first in the competition’s history to be contested over one leg.

Holders River Plate go into the game as slight underdogs, facing off with a Flamengo team managed by experienced European campaigner Jorge Jesus.

River certainly have the pedigree, with four titles including two in the last four years under Marcelo Gallardo.

However, Flamengo arrive top of the Brazilian championship by 13 points, and with the continent’s most in-form player Gabriel Barbosa in their ranks.

Having broken club legend Zico’s record of 22 league goals in a season for the Rio de Janeiro club, he will be looking to lead the line and fire them to continental glory.

River come into the game having won three and drawn one of the last six. Confidence in the Flamengo ranks will be high as they come in unbeaten in 25 games running back to August 4th.

The fact that these two are teams representing Argentina and Brazil (both being teams from the capital cities) will add fire than encounter that already has so much riding on it. The traditional working-class team from Rio de Janeiro coming up against the team nicknamed ‘Los Millonarios’ from the Buenos Aires suburbs will be a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Team news

As far as injuries are concerned, River will be missing former Manchester City prospect Bruno Zuculini, while Flamengo forward Vitinho is doubtful due to a muscle injury.

[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”1072″ heading=”News” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”46″ heading=”Argentina” heading_type=“timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]