Club Atlético River Plate face a stern test this Saturday as they travel to face high-flying Belgrano Cordoba in the thirteenth round of the 2026 Torneo Clausura. The team from Núñez, sitting ninth with 17 points, needs a win to close the five-point gap to leaders Rosario Central and move closer to the Copa Libertadores qualification zone.
The match will be played at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium on October 18th, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 PM local time. Television coverage will be provided by ESPN, with streaming available on the Star+ platform. River Plate arrive after a 1-1 draw away to Sarmiento Junin last Monday, a result that left a bittersweet taste and kept the team outside the top eight in the standings.
In that match, Gonzalo Montiel scored the equaliser in the 71st minute, assisted by Thiago Almada, cancelling out Julián Contrera's early opener. This marked River's fourth consecutive match without defeat, a run featuring two wins and two draws. Nonetheless, an inconsistent first half of the championship, with five wins, two draws, and five losses, shows there is room for improvement.
Table context
The trip to Córdoba takes on extra significance due to the opponent's position. Belgrano are second in the table, making this a direct opportunity to gain ground on a direct rival. A victory would allow River Plate, who have scored 15 goals and conceded 13, to make a significant jump in the league standings. Recent history, however, is not encouraging: the last meeting between the two, on May 24th, ended in a 3-2 defeat for River at the Monumental.
River Plate's manager has stressed the importance of maintaining concentration for the full ninety minutes. "We know the quality Belgrano have and how difficult it is to play at their ground," he explained in the pre-travel press conference. "We have to be more clinical in the box to convert the chances we create."
With forward Gonzalo Montiel as the team's top scorer this season with seven goals, the side will be looking for greater offensive punch. The next fixture on the schedule presents another complex challenge, making points in Córdoba almost a necessity. The match against Belgrano represents the final test before the upcoming international break.
More detail at La Nacion AR Deportes
