River Plate faces Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals at the Monumental Stadium, in a highly anticipated match between two multiple-time champions. River, last crowned in 2018, aims to overcome a challenging history of recent defeats against Brazilian teams, including eliminations in 1999 and 2020. The team, led by coach Marcelo Gallardo, arrives confident, unbeaten in the Libertadores since June and only having lost two of 41 matches this year. Palmeiras, the reigning champion from 2020 and 2021, enters with a strong form, having won seven consecutive matches in Brazil and remaining undefeated in 10 matches in the Brazilian league. The Brazilian team has a highly competitive squad, with a focus on their solid defense and direct attacking style, and may debut their new signing, Andreas Pereira. The first leg will be played at River's home ground, with over 80,000 fans expected, and the return match will be in Brazil next week. The winner will advance to the semifinals to face the victor of the São Paulo vs. Liga de Quito series. River's recent struggles against Brazilian rivals include a record of only two wins in their last seven Libertadores series, but coach Gallardo's historical success against Brazilian teams remains positive. Palmeiras boasts an impressive away record in Argentina, with their last defeat in 2019, and aims to extend their undefeated streak there. The match is crucial for both teams' ambitions to win the Libertadores, with high stakes and intense competition expected.