River hosts Cruzeiro for Copa Libertadores match
Xinhua, May 21, 2015 Adjust font size:
Argentinian Football team River Plate will play this Thursday against Brazil's Cruzeiro in the leg 1 match of quarter finals of Libertadores Cup, shortly after violent incidents occurred in the match against Boca Juniors.
The match will be played at 8:00 p.m. local time (01.00 GMT) at the "Monumental" stadium, in Buenos Aires, with Chilean Enrique Osses as referee.
River accepted this outcome after the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) disqualified its classic rival, Boca Juniors, due to a pepper spray attack on River players at "La Bombonera" stadium.
Last Thursday, both teams had tied 0-0 (though River had won 1-0 in leg 1 match) when violence broke out before the start of the second half time.
River players were entering the field when a group of violent fans pepper sprayed them, leaving four players seriously injured.
Finally, Conmebol decided to declare a loss for Boca, abided by the sanction at first but later came out to harshly question it.
River would be able to play tomorrow with the affected players: Leonardo Ponzio, Matias Kranevitter, Leonel Vangioni and Ramiro Funes Mori.
On the other hand, Cruzeiro will be able to play with all of its players, and will therefore include its usual formation.
Las weekend, Cruzeiro fell 0-1 against Santos in the "Brasileirao" tournament, where they have added two losses in two games.
Probable formations are as following:
River Plate: Marcelo Barovero; Gabriel Mercado, Jonathan Maidana, Ramiro Funes Mori, Leonel Vangioni; Carlos Sanchez, Mataas Kranevitter, Leonardo Ponzio, Gonzalo Martinez; Rodrigo Mora and Teofilo Gutierrez Manager: Marcelo Gallardo
Cruzeiro: Fabio; Mayke, Bruno Rodrigo, Manoel, Eugenio Mena; William, Henrique, Williams, Marquinhos; Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Leandro Damiao Manager: Marcelo Oliveira
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