Copa Libertadores: Cruzeiro v River Plate preview, prediction, odds and free tip

11.15pm Tuesday

Struggling Cruzeiro are fifth bottom in the Brazilian top flight but produced a disciplined performance to draw 0-0 at River Plate in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie and they can hold their own in the return match in Belo Horizonte.

The Argentinian domestic season has only just started for River, who drew 1-1 at Argentinos Juniors on Saturday.

But their primary focus will have been this return match against Cruzeiro, the next step in their defence of the trophy.

River Plate have won the Copa Libertadores twice in the last four years (2015 and 2018) and are undefeated in the 2019 competition, having registered two wins and four draws in the group stage.

They went into the home leg against Cruzeiro looking for a victory but were left frustrated despite winning the shot count 23 to five and carving out a 64 per cent share of possession.

Cruzeiro spent the majority of the contest on the back foot but kept a good defensive shape and played with more focus than they have shown in many league matches this season.

Mano Menezes's side have gone nine league games without a victory, yet they excelled in the Copa Libertadores group stage, winning five of six matches.

Veteran striker Fred – formerly of Lyon – has scored four of their 11 Copa Libertadores goals but has gone right off the boil domestically, failing to net in nine appearances.

River Plate also look short of quality up front with Argentina international forward Matias Suarez going through a lean spell.

Another tight, low-scoring match looks likely with the draw the most probable outcome.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 21-10 bet365, Betway

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