Athletico Paranaense dropped down to the second spot in Group C on ten points after losing 3-2 at Penarol in Uruguay. However, coach Paulo Autuori arrived after that game and the team started to prove. Last Saturday, O Furacao beat Santos 1-0 at home to make it four consecutive victories in the Brazilian league. They climbed into the ninth spot on 28 points in 22 rounds (six behind sixth-placed Palmeiras). At home, Athletico Paranaense is on two consecutive successes.
River Plate climbed into the top of group D table thanks to a 3-0 home win over LDU Quito at Independiente, accumulating 13 points in six rounds. Last Friday, coach Marcelo Gallardo picked a mixed XI, who ended up beating Banfield 2-0 away to make it three consecutive victories. El Millonario are now level on nine points with their last opponents as leaders in the Copa Liga Profesional’s group 3. River also is on five away matches unbeaten, having drawn two and won the last three.
Athletico Paranaense suffered a Covid-19 outbreak: winger Nikao, first-choice goalkeeper Santos and left back Abner will miss out. Jandrei, who usually substitutes Santos, is also infected, among others. Right-back Jonathan continues to regain his match fitness. Marcio Azevedo, who could have replaced Abner, is also ruled out, as well as striker Carlos Eduardo. River Plate should take advantage of the absences at Athletico Paranaense to take a win here.