- Independiente Rivadavia are top of their Torneo Apertura group with 26 points from 12 games.
- Club Bolivar are in excellent form, highlighted by a 5 - 1 demolition of Real Oruro and a 1 - 1 away draw at Cienciano.
- Rivadavia have scored in all of their last five games.
History in the making
Independiente Rivadavia make their Copa Libertadores group stage debut on Tuesday when they welcome Bolivian heavyweights Club Bolívar to Mendoza. The hosts enter this matchup in fine form after a run of two wins and two draws in four matches, although they were beaten 1-2 by Barracas Central last weekend. This Independiente Rivadavia vs Club Bolivar preview highlights the significance of the opening fixture for both teams.
Rivadavia have beaten Gimnasia and Independiente (2-3 and 3-2 respectively) in the last fortnight, before battling hard for 1-1 draws against Racing and River in their two games prior. Our Independiente Rivadavia vs Club Bolivar prediction considers that Argentine title winners Racing are a strong side, while River Plate are a regular in the Libertadores, which bodes well for Alfredo Jesús Berti’s men.
Berti favours a pragmatic and flexible 5-3-2 system, which allows his team to press with numbers, transition at speed, and use the wide areas to create opportunities, particularly when winning the ball back high up the pitch. The Independiente Rivadavia vs Club Bolivar betting tips also take into account that Rivadavia have had an excellent domestic season so far, topping their Torneo Apertura group with 26 points from 12 matches, and have been bolstered by the signing of Sebastián Villa, whose pace and end product down the left wing has been a major positive.
Tempo and tactical discipline key
Bolívar are also in strong form, particularly in the attacking third, after destroying Real Oruro 5-1 in their previous match and holding Cienciano to a 1-1 away draw. The trip to Mendoza will be tough for the visitors, as they must adapt quickly to Mendoza’s lower altitude.
Flavio Robatto has implemented a possession-based philosophy at the club, with the team playing in a fluid 4-3-3 system that has a clear City influence. They have a number of players who can drive the ball into the final third, such as Robson Matheus, who controls the tempo from the base of midfield, Christian Alemán and Jhon Velásquez, who provide creativity and end-product from central positions, Dorny Romero and Martín Cauteruccio, who provide finishing prowess and physical presence up top, and full-backs who overlap.
Bolívar have the firepower to hurt Rivadavia, while the hosts have the momentum and quality to keep this an open game. We’re going for an away win in what should be an exciting encounter, as well as both teams to score and the total goals market to land. The Independiente Rivadavia vs Club Bolivar prediction is that Bolívar will look to use their superior experience at this level to take the bragging rights home with them in this fascinating clash of styles.
