The situation at River Plate is becoming more complicated after the defeat in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors. To the concerns about performance and the possibility of being knocked out of the Copa Libertadores and the playoffs, six absences for the match against Vélez have been added. The 'Millionaire' comes from a 2-0 loss to the 'Xeneize' in the framework of the fifteenth date of the Torneo Clausura and complicated its qualification for the 'Glory Eternal', generating discontent among the fans. Coach Marcelo Gallardo will not be able to count on Maximiliano Meza and Facundo Colidio, both injured, nor on Kevin Castaño and Matías Galarza Fonda, called up by their national teams. However, the 'Millionaire' will face a decisive match for its future and will have to play with players who are fully physically fit. River is sixth in Zone B with 21 points and depends on itself to advance to the next phase: if it wins or draws, it will qualify. In addition, Marcos Acuña and Lucas Martínez Quarta, two of the undisputed starters in the 'Muñeco's' team, have reached the limit of yellow cards and will have to serve a suspension. Four of the absent players were starters in the defeat against Boca: Martínez Quarta, Acuña, Castaño, and Meza. On the Galarza Fonda side, he came off the bench, and Colidio was not part of the call-up due to a muscle strain. The good news for Gallardo is that the former Tigre player is evolving favorably and could be on the bench at Liniers, as one of the substitutes in the attack. Only a defeat could leave them out of the Playoffs, although the scenario is unlikely. For River to be eliminated from the Torneo Clausura, three of the following four results should occur: wins by Talleres, Sarmiento, San Martín de San Juan (which would also have to avoid relegation), and Gimnasia.
