The first legs of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals wrapped up this week, with River Plate, Racing, Vélez, and Estudiantes keeping their hopes alive for a place in the semifinals.
River Plate faced Palmeiras in São Paulo and endured a rough first half, going 2-0 down through goals by Gustavo Gómez and Vitor Roque. However, Lucas Martínez Quarta scored late to keep Marcelo Gallardo’s team in the fight. The match also featured Argentine players José Manuel López and Aníbal Moreno in Palmeiras’ lineup. River must win by one goal to take the series to penalties, or by two to qualify directly. Any draw or defeat will see them eliminated.
In the all-Argentine clash, Racing secured a valuable away win against Vélez at the José Amalfitani, thanks to a goal from Maravilla Martínez. The return leg will be played at the Cilindro, where Racing advances as long as they avoid defeat. Vélez, meanwhile, needs a one-goal win to force penalties or a two-goal margin to progress.
Estudiantes took on Flamengo at the Maracaná and looked in serious trouble after falling 2-0 down inside the first nine minutes. Guido Carrillo’s late strike, however, gave Eduardo Domínguez’s side a lifeline. At home in La Plata, Estudiantes must win by one to take the tie to penalties or by two or more to move into the semis.
With narrow margins across all four series, Argentine clubs still have everything to play for in the return legs. The coming week will determine how many of them make it through to the last four of South America’s biggest tournament.
I am happy that the world cup do not start today. A lot of players is out of form. Lautaro, Alvarez, Mac Allister, Molina etc. I am happy that Mastantuono starts a lot of matches. I am a big fan of the Argentina national team since 1990. This is a fantastic time to be an Argentina fan!!!
Mastantuono was a livewire out there, throwing life and limb for the team and I think that’s why Alonzo is giving all these starts, he brings that workhorse mentality to RM’s attack to compensate for Mbappe and Jr’s lack of that very same mentality.
The kid has good dribbling skills and footballing IQ but he still has a long way to go (not surprising considering the fact that he’s still just BARELY 18) but with talent, which he has and the right attitude (has that too) he can reach his potential barring any major injuries.
After a good champions league debut, Mastantuono has a very good match today, the best in his Real shirt.
The ratings by Sofascore is 7.3 and whoscored 7.7.
He has still not gelled with the team, yet to play a full game..! He’s improving match by match…
Goal.com writes.. “It’s hard to believe he’s just 18 years old. Looked a constant threat with his neat footwork and composure on the ball and also got back to help out defensively.”
Yes he has two very good game and with just 18 year old and determination I am 100% sure he will succeed.
nothing special ,no goal ,no assist ,lots of mistake .
Mastantuono had a relatively better first half than his previous games. Wish him good luck.
Mac Allister is out of form at the moment, but I’m not worried. Liverpool will be playing in many competitions this season, and hopefully, he will gradually regain his form.
Another thing is that Chelsea fans are destroying Enzo Fernandez whenever chelsea loses, or draws, they blame enzo which is unfair the problem is, he is being played out of position. Enzo is a number 8, not a number 10. Whenever he plays as a number 10, he seems to disappear from the game, but as soon as he plays as a number 8, he performs well and gets more involved in the match.
So, I hope Maresca will play Enzo as a number 8 from now on
Unfortunately, Mac Allister who has been the best Argentine midfielder since the end of 2022 WC is gradually losing his place at Liverpool. His form is in scary decline and he barely plays a full 90 mins for the Reds this season. In some games he starts from the bench and in others he only plays 45 – 60 mins. It could be good for Scaloni since the WC is nearing more than ever, but getting less and less minutes could finally lead to lack of confidence. Let’s hope for the best.
He’s coming back from an injury and still not 100 fit. That’s why he plays less now. If Liverpool plays 433 he will always be playing in starting X1 unless he dropped his level.
If Liverpool plays 4231, he will have to fight for the spot, as Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are in excellent form.