On paper, River Plate are the stronger team and should have enough firepower to take the three points against Urawa.
River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds are set to kick off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaigns on Tuesday in a crucial Group E opener. With Inter Milan heavily favored to win the group, this fixture could well prove pivotal in deciding who grabs the second qualification spot for the knockout rounds.
River Plate are the most successful club in their country’s history and are guided by returning manager Marcelo Gallardo. While the Argentine side have failed to win their last two matches, River were on a five-game winning streak before that and have enough talent to bounce back.
Meanwhile, three-time AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds are making their third appearance in the Club World Cup. The Japanese side currently sit fourth in the J1 League but have struggled for consistency recently, winning just two of their last seven games.
On paper, River Plate are the stronger team and should have enough firepower to take the three points. But Urawa’s resilience and ability to hit on the counter could make this a tighter contest than expected. With a lot riding on this opener, expect a tense and tactical battle at MetLife Stadium.
River Plate head into the tournament with a largely fit squad, with Agustin Ruberto being the only fitness concern. All eyes will be on teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, who is set to join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the Club World Cup. The 16-year-old playmaker will be eager to leave his mark on the tournament before making the high-profile switch to Spain in August.
Striker Facundo Colidio is expected to lead the line. The 25-year-old forward has scored six goals in his last 22 appearances and remains a key figure in River’s attacking setup.
River Plate Predicted XI: Armani; Montiel, Martinez, Diaz, Acuna; Castano, Perez, Meza; Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio
Urawa Red Diamonds head into their Group E opener with a fully fit squad and no injury concerns. The team’s leading scorer this season has been Ryoma Watanabe with six goals in 17 appearances and the Japanese striker is expected to spearhead the attack here. Brazilian playmaker Matheus Savio will start in the final third, offering creativity to help break down River’s defence.
Urawa Red Diamonds Predicted XI: Nishikawa; Ishihara, Ogiwara, Gustafson, Boza; Holbraten, Kaneko; Yasui, Matsuo, Savio; Watanabe
Fans can catch the River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds match live on multiple platforms, as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is broadcast globally for free. Here’s how to watch:
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