River Plate Clash with Monterrey: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Argentine powerhouse River Plate will face off against Liga MX financial giant Monterrey in a showdown featuring two of Latin America's most talent-laden squads.
While Marcelo Gallardo hasn't replicated the extraordinary success of his initial tenure at River Plate, he remains an exceptional tournament tactician who guided the club to a pair of Copa Libertadores championships during the 2010s. Los Millonarios delivered an outstanding performance in their 2025 Club World Cup opener, comfortably defeating Urawa Red Diamonds 3–1 with a dominant display.
Monterrey's inaugural match performance was arguably even more remarkable, securing a valuable draw against Inter Milan. Many questioned Monterrey's capabilities heading into the tournament after their underwhelming Liga MX Clausura 2025 campaign, but their stalemate with the Champions League finalists effectively quieted their critics.
On paper, this represents a perfectly balanced encounter between two clubs harboring genuine ambitions of advancing to the Club World Cup knockout rounds.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this encounter between two formidable Latin American organizations.
What Time Does River Plate vs. Monterrey Kick-Off?
River Plate vs. Monterrey Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive encounter between River Plate and Monterrey.
Current Form (All Competitions)
River Plate | Monterrey |
|---|---|
River Plate 3–1 Urawa Red Diamonds - 6/17/25 | Monterrey 1–1 Inter Milan - 6/17/25 |
River Plate 1–1 Universitario de Deportes - 5/27/25 | Toluca 2–1 Monterrey - 5/10/25 |
River Plate 1–1 Club Atlético Platense - 5/20/25 | Monterrey 3–2 Toluca - 5/7/25 |
River Plate 6–2 Independiente del Valle - 5/15/25 | Monterrey 2–0 Pumas - 5/4/25 |
River Plate 3–0 Barracas Central - 5/12/25 | Monterrey 1–2 Pachuca - 4/27/25 |
How to Watch River Plate vs. Monterrey on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | Canal 5, ViX, DAZN |
River Plate Team News
Gallardo's squad dominated their opening victory against Urawa Red Diamonds, but the triumph came with consequences. Promising attacker Sebastián Driussi suffered an ankle injury while netting River's second goal and may miss the remainder of the Club World Cup.
His probable replacement is Colombian striker Miguel Borja, whose future at the club beyond the tournament remains uncertain. Nevertheless, with Franco Mastantuono orchestrating the offensive play, Los Millonarios possess sufficient attacking depth to cope with Driussi's potential absence.
In defense, Gallardo will continue to depend on three 2022 World Cup winners in Germán Pezzella, Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña, with the latter demonstrating his offensive capabilities by providing two assists in River's opening fixture.
River Plate Predicted Lineup vs. Monterrey
River Plate Predicted Lineup vs. Monterrey (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Pezzella, Martínez-Quarta, Acuña; Pérez, Castaño, Fernández; Mastantuono, Borja, Colidio
Monterrey Team News
The Domènec Torrent era at Monterrey commenced with a historic achievement for Liga MX, as Rayados earned a draw against Champions League finalists Inter Milan.
Sergio Ramos continues to perform exceptionally despite his age and will again lead Monterrey as captain while anchoring the defensive unit. Torrent immediately implemented his favored 3-5-2 system, defying many expectations.
Given such an encouraging opening result, the former Pep Guardiola assistant is unlikely to modify his tactical approach, though Nelson Deossa might feature in midfield to provide additional attacking options against a similarly skilled opponent.
In the forward line, Sergio Canales will orchestrate play, seeking to supply Lucas Ocampos and Germán Berterame.
Monterrey Predicted Lineup vs. River Plate
Monterrey Predicted Lineup vs. River Plate (3-5-2): Andrada; Medina, Ramos, Guzmán; Aguírre, Deossa, Canales, Torres, Arteaga; Ocampos, Berterame
River Plate vs. Monterrey Score Prediction
This stands as potentially the most captivating group stage fixture for Latin American football enthusiasts, a battle between two of the region's finest teams that will reignite the Argentina–Mexico supporter rivalry.
Despite their differing tactical approaches, both sides possess abundant attacking quality that will prove challenging to neutralize over 90 minutes. However, it will also be an intensely contested physical encounter where each team will enjoy periods of dominance.
Mastantuono and Canales will command the spotlight and the points will be divided in what promises to be an evenly matched contest.
Prediction: River Plate 2–2 Monterrey