This Wednesday at 8:30 pm ET on beIN SPORTS, River Plate begins a new chapter under the leadership of Marcelo Gallardo in the Libertadores, as he returns to the club with the mission of restoring its international glory. The match will be against Talleres de Córdoba in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. After leaving the club in 2022 and a brief stint with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Gallardo faces a true test by fire in his second tenure as the head coach of the "Millonario" team.

River Plate reached this stage after advancing as the leader of Group H with 16 points, outperforming several top-tier teams. The “Millonario” fans hope Gallardo can replicate the success of his first spell, during which he won fourteen titles, including two Copa Libertadores. However, the challenge will not be easy, as Talleres de Córdoba, who advanced in second place in Group B tied with Sao Paulo with 13 points, has proven to be a competitive team with a playing style that can trouble any opponent.

Real Madrid Sets Its Sights on Another Palmeiras Gem

The big question for this first match will be the absence of Colombian forward Miguel Borja, who suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg. Borja, River's top scorer with 25 goals in 29 matches, could miss this and other crucial games. His absence is a significant blow to the team’s aspirations, and his replacement is yet to be decided, although Adam Bareiro, the recent signing from San Lorenzo, is the strongest candidate to fill his spot in the attack.

On the other hand, expectations are also focused on the potential inclusion of defender Germán Pezzella in the starting lineup. The World Cup winner with Argentina and two-time Copa América champion, who recently arrived from Spanish club Betis, could make his debut under Gallardo’s direction. Pezzella has expressed his excitement about returning to play at the Estadio Más Monumental and his desire to contribute his experience and leadership in this new phase of the team.

This first match against Talleres will not only mark the beginning of Gallardo's new cycle but will also serve as a gauge to assess the current level of the team and its chances of progressing in the continental tournament. River Plate has been one of the most consistent teams in the Copa Libertadores over the past decade, but this time the challenge will be greater due to the pressure and expectations surrounding Gallardo’s return.

Wednesday’s match won’t just be a battle on the pitch but also a test for Gallardo, who must prove that he still has the ability to lead River Plate to the pinnacle of South American football. The “Millonario” fans have faith in their leader, but the real challenge begins now in a competition that leaves no room for mistakes.