Click HERE to watch LIVE the match between River Plate and Libertad

River Plate hosts Libertad of Paraguay this Thursday in a decisive Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash. The tie remains wide open after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Asunción, and the second leg will be played at the iconic Estadio Más Monumental, where a full house is expected to push the “Millonario” toward the quarterfinals.

When and Where Will River vs Libertad Be Played?

The match is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025, kicking off at 9:30 PM local time in Argentina (00:30 GMT). For fans in the United States, the start times are:

• 8:30 PM ET (Eastern Time)
• 7:30 PM CT (Central Time)
• 6:30 PM MT (Mountain Time)
• 5:30 PM PT (Pacific Time)
  

Where to Watch River vs Libertad in the U.S.?

Fans in the United States can watch River Plate vs Libertad live on beIN SPORTS, including its Spanish-language channel (beIN SPORTS en Español) and via streaming on beIN SPORTS Connect.

How Did the First Leg Play Out?

The first leg in Asunción ended in a goalless draw, but Libertad had the better chances in the opening half, forcing River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani into key saves. In the second half, substitutions by Marcelo Gallardo — including the introductions of Juan Fernando Quintero, Sebastián Driussi, and Ignacio Fernández — gave River more control but failed to break the deadlock.

Heading into the second leg, River arrives unbeaten after the group stage (3 wins, 3 draws) and recently continued its domestic dominance with a 4-2 victory over Godoy Cruz in the Clausura Championship. By contrast, Libertad advanced as runners-up in their group and enter the clash with a less consistent domestic campaign in Paraguay.

What’s at Stake and What Comes Next?

The winner of this matchup will advance to the quarterfinals to face either Universitario (Peru) or Palmeiras (Brazil), with the Verdao holding a commanding advantage after their big win in the first leg.