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Independiente Rivadavia Possible Lineup Against Fluminense in the 2026 Copa Libertadores
La Lepra return to Mendoza with the tie wide open after earning a valuable result in Brazil.
Independiente Rivadavia host Fluminense this Tuesday at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in the second leg of the 2026 Copa Libertadores Round of 16. Following a 0-0 draw in Rio de Janeiro, Alfredo Berti's side now have the opportunity to secure a place in the quarterfinals in front of their home supporters.
La Lepra kept a clean sheet in the opening leg and also created opportunities to threaten the Brazilian side. With the aggregate score still level, a victory in Mendoza would be enough to extend their impressive continental run.
The Argentine club also rested several players in their most recent Torneo Clausura match, a 2-0 defeat to Belgrano, with their focus firmly set on the decisive Libertadores clash against Fluminense.
Alfredo Berti Prepares His Starting XI Against Fluminense
Nicolás Bolcato is expected to start in goal for Independiente Rivadavia in the decisive match at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.
Berti is preparing a setup featuring Ezequiel Bonifacio, Iván Villalba, Leonard Costa, Sheyko Studer and Juan Manuel Elordi among his defensive options as La Lepra look to maintain the solidity that helped them leave Brazil without conceding.
Further forward, Maximiliano Salas is once again expected to play a major role after impressing in the first leg, with Alex Arce joining him in attack.
Independiente Rivadavia Possible Lineup
La Lepra will look to combine the defensive discipline they showed in Rio de Janeiro with a more aggressive approach in front of their home crowd.
Independiente Rivadavia possible XI: Nicolás Bolcato; Ezequiel Bonifacio, Iván Villalba, Leonard Costa, Sheyko Studer, Juan Manuel Elordi; Matías Fernández, Tomás Bottari, Leonel Bucca; Alex Arce, Maximiliano Salas.
Head coach: Alfredo Berti.
La Lepra Look to Make Home Advantage Count
Independiente Rivadavia have enjoyed an impressive Copa Libertadores campaign. The Argentine side finished unbeaten at the top of Group C with 16 points and 15 goals scored.
Their group-stage performances gave them the confidence to compete against a Fluminense side with considerably more experience on the continental stage.
After holding their own in Brazil, Berti's team now have the opportunity to decide the series in Mendoza and reach the quarterfinals.
Fluminense Arrive With a New Coach and Renewed Confidence
Independiente Rivadavia will face a team that underwent a significant change following the opening leg. Fluminense parted ways with Luis Zubeldía after the draw in Brazil, with Marcão taking charge.
The new coach began his tenure with an important 3-2 victory over Palmeiras in the Brasileirao, giving Fluminense a confidence boost before traveling to Argentina.
With the aggregate score locked at 0-0, Independiente Rivadavia will need another strong performance to keep their Copa Libertadores dream alive.
Match Info: Independiente Rivadavia vs. Fluminense
- Match: Independiente Rivadavia vs. Fluminense
- Competition: 2026 Copa Libertadores – Round of 16, second leg
- Aggregate score: 0-0
- Time: 5:50 PM ET
- TV: beIN SPORTS
- Stadium: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas
- Referee: Andrés Rojas (COL)
- VAR: Leonard Mosquera (COL)
