Sao Paulo claimed their first three points in the Copa Libertadores in week two, when beating LDU Quito 3-0 at home. Brazilian football restarted in July, so Fernando Diniz’s side have already accumulated 13 competitive matches after the stop because of the pandemic. Last Saturday, the side drew 2-2 at Santos, which means they managed 18 points in ten league encounters (two behind leaders Internacional. Overall, Sao Paulo lost only one of their last eight competitive games (four wins, three draws). At home, O Tricolor won four and drew two of the last six.
River Plate also are on three points in Group D after thrashing Deportivo Binacional 8-0 in March. In fact, that was their last competitive game as the club have decided not to show up against Atletico Tucuman at home a few days later. Overall, Marcelo Gallardo’s men played ten matches in 2020 so far, winning seven, drawing two and losing only once (at LDU Quito 3-0 with an alternative XI). On away turf, they claimed 13 points from 18 on offer this year.
River Plate will put up a good fight here, but it’s their first game in a long time. I don’t think they will be able to even forces with Sao Paulo, who will miss legend Dani Alves but are in remarkable form.