River vs. Independiente Santa Fe: When is the Copa Sudamericana 2026 match?

River Plate faces a crucial Copa Sudamericana clash against Independiente Santa Fe on August 12, with the team urgently needing to improve its form to compete for titles this season.

The Argentine club, led by Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet, has struggled significantly, losing four of their last five games. These defeats include a loss in the Apertura Tournament final to Belgrano, elimination from the Copa Argentina by Aldosivi, and opening losses in the Clausura against Barras Central and Gimnasia de La Plata. The recent performance against Gimnasia was particularly concerning, marked by a lack of scoring opportunities.

River Plate's history with Independiente Santa Fe includes a memorable encounter on May 19, 2021, during the Copa Libertadores. In that match, River secured a dramatic 2-1 victory with Enzo Pérez playing as goalkeeper and the team having no substitutes due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Julián Alvarez and Fabrizio Angileri scored for River, while Kelvin Osorio netted for the Colombian side.

Independiente Santa Fe advanced to the round of 16 by defeating Caracas 5-0 on aggregate. They secured a 2-0 win in the first leg at home with goals from Hugo Rodallega and Franco Fagúndez, and a 3-0 victory in the second leg in Venezuela, featuring goals from Nahuel Bustos, an own goal by Ángel Figueroa, and Rodallega. The team is managed by Uruguayan Pablo Repetto.

The winner of this tie will advance to the quarterfinals to face the victor of the Vasco da Gama vs. Olimpia series. A potential Superclásico against Boca Juniors could occur later in the tournament if both teams reach the semifinals. River Plate is considered the favorite by sports betting platforms to win the series against Independiente Santa Fe.