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A rivalry over a century old

What makes the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana so thrilling is that they often come down to one timeless football battle: Argentina vs. Brazil. The rivalry dates back more than a century, to September 20, 1914, when Argentina defeated Brazil 3-0 in their first-ever meeting. Since then, the head-to-head record has sparked as many arguments as goals: Argentina claims it leads (44-42, 43-42, 41-39), while Brazil insists it’s actually ahead (43-42). They can’t even agree on the numbers! At this point, the rivalry isn’t just about football—it’s also about bookkeeping.

When it comes to club competitions like the Copa Libertadores, however, the math is clear. Argentina leads the all-time tally with 25 titles, just edging Brazil’s 24. Yet the Brazilians have dominated the last six trophies—two of them lifted by Palmeiras—while the last Argentine triumph came from River Plate, famously against their eternal rivals Boca Juniors. This year, the odds once again tilt toward one of these two nations: four Argentine clubs and three Brazilian sides remain in the quarterfinals. After six years of Brazilian dominance, could this finally be Argentina’s comeback year? In South America, you never know.

River Plate and Palmeiras in the spotlight

The spotlight this Wednesday shines on River Plate vs. Palmeiras—a clash worthy of a final that you can watch live on beIN SPORTS at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT. Their last Copa Libertadores showdown was in 2021, when Palmeiras stunned River with a 3-0 away win, followed by a 2-0 victory for River that wasn’t enough. Palmeiras advanced to the final and edged Flamengo 2-1. Now, history repeats itself with both clubs reloaded: new stars, fresh strategies, and the same relentless pressure.

River’s coach Marcelo Gallardo teased his tactical plans with a smile: “We’ve been testing variations. We have options, and that’s good. Then we’ll see which one we choose.” On the other bench, Abel Ferreira faces a “problem” most coaches would envy: so many talented players that he is still deciding who will make the cut.

Predictions and expectations

Even mystics have weighed in. Renowned Brazilian psychic Luiz Filho read the cards and declared Palmeiras the overwhelming favorite: “I see Palmeiras’ cards as better than River Plate’s. The chances of a draw are very slim. I see Verdão with more resources throughout the game.”

River’s fortune-telling is simpler: press, press, press… and win the first leg, then the second, and so on.

Because when it’s Argentina vs. Brazil—whether it’s national teams, club football, or even psychic predictions—the only guarantee is drama and an exhausting battle from start to finish.

River Plate vs. Palmeiras – live on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT.