BATTLE OF DEFENSIVE FORTRESSES: BARCELONA SC HOSTS UNBEATEN RIVER PLATE IN KEY LIBERTADORES CLASH

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May 8, 2025 

Barcelona SC - River Plate 

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC will face Argentine giants River Plate in the fourth round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores group stage. This match is the only fixture in matchday four that pits two teams against each other who have both kept clean sheets in two of their first three group stage matches.

Barcelona SC has demonstrated defensive quality in recent meetings with River Plate. The "Ídolo," as the Ecuadorian team is nicknamed, has not conceded goals in their last two matches against the Argentine powerhouse in the CONMEBOL Libertadores (1 win, 1 draw). However, the historical head-to-head record favors River Plate - the "Millonario" won the first three encounters between these sides in this tournament.

The Ecuadorian outfit excels in defensive solidity throughout the competition. Barcelona SC has kept a clean sheet in more than half of their matches in the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores (four out of seven).

River Plate is experiencing an extraordinary period in the Libertadores. Counting the teams that have played in the CONMEBOL Libertadores group stage in both 2024 and 2025, River Plate is one of only two sides that have not lost a single match in this phase (6 wins, 3 draws), alongside Brazilian Palmeiras (7 wins, 2 draws). The "Millionaires'" last defeat in the group stage dates back to May 2023 (1-5 against Fluminense).

Offensively, Barcelona SC has significant room for improvement in this year's tournament. The Ecuadorian team's only goal in the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores group stage was scored by Bryan Carabalí at 4:46 of the first half against Independiente Del Valle. The "Ídolo" is the only team with a goal in the first five minutes of a match in this year's edition.

Thursday's clash in Guayaquil promises a battle between two defensively-minded teams, where a single goal could decide the outcome. River Plate will rely on their unbeaten record in the group stage, while the home side Barcelona SC will try to leverage their home advantage and defensive solidity to achieve a surprising result against one of the favorites of the entire competition.

Photo: source XYZ 

We thank OPTA for providing the statistical data.

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