After a turbulent three weeks filled with disappointing results, River Plate return to the Estadio Más Monumental this Sunday at 17:15 (local time) to face Sarmiento de Junín in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol. The home side are desperate to turn the tide after a run of five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions. For Marcelo Gallardo’s men, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity to regain confidence and keep their hopes alive of qualifying for next season’s Copa Libertadores group stage.

River Plate’s Recent Form and Key Stats

River Plate’s recent performances have been far from their usual standards. The team has suffered five losses in their last six games, a sequence that saw them eliminated from the Copa Libertadores and lose the top spot in Zone B of the Clausura. Their only bright moment came in the Copa Argentina, where they narrowly defeated Racing Club 1-0 to advance to the next round. In the league, River now sit 4th in the overall standings, with a record of 14 wins, 10 draws, and 4 defeats, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match.

Despite their poor run, River Plate have shown resilience in the first halves of matches — they have avoided defeat before halftime in 20 of their last 22 games, including 18 of their last 20 home fixtures. This consistency early in matches could be key to regaining control and confidence. However, the team’s attacking output has dropped significantly, averaging just 0.8 goals scored and 1.8 conceded over the last five matches.

There is some positive news for Gallardo’s side. Enzo Pérez has been cleared to play after recovering from injury, while Maximiliano Salas returns from suspension after missing the previous league match. Salas was the hero in the Copa Argentina victory, scoring the decisive goal. In defense, the partnership between Martínez Quarta and Rivero has shown promise, even if results have not reflected their efforts. The main absence will be Portillo, who is suspended following a red card in the last round.

Sarmiento de Junín’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Sarmiento approach this match with the clear objective of securing their place in the top division for another season. The team currently sit 10th in the table with a record of 5 wins, 12 draws, and 9 defeats, averaging 0.7 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. Their recent form has been mixed — two consecutive losses against Gimnasia and Talleres followed two vital wins over Aldosivi and Barracas Central, which provided some breathing space in the relegation battle.

Under the guidance of Facundo Sava, Sarmiento have built a disciplined and experienced defensive line featuring Facundo Roncaglia and Juan Manuel Insaurralde. This backline has managed to keep two clean sheets in their last four matches. Up front, the team relies on the experience of Lucas Pratto, a former River Plate striker who now plays a supporting role from the bench. Despite their limitations in attack, Sarmiento have shown they can be dangerous on the counter, and they will remember their famous 2022 victory at the Monumental as proof that an upset is possible.

However, their away record remains a concern. Sarmiento have failed to lead at halftime in 19 of their last 20 away matches, and their scoring rate on the road is among the lowest in the league. They have averaged just 0.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded in their last five outings. To get a result in Buenos Aires, they will need to be compact defensively and capitalize on any mistakes from River’s backline.

River Plate vs Sarmiento Prediction and Tactical Overview

Historically, River Plate have dominated this fixture, winning three of the last five head-to-head meetings, with one draw and one defeat. The most recent encounter ended 1-1 in April 2025. River have averaged 2.4 goals scored and 0.6 conceded across those matches, highlighting their superiority when playing at home. Yet, given their current slump, nothing can be taken for granted.

Gallardo’s side will likely control possession and push high up the pitch, seeking to break down Sarmiento’s compact defensive block. The return of Salas could provide the spark they have been missing in attack, while Enzo Pérez’s presence in midfield should help stabilize transitions. On the other hand, Sarmiento will aim to frustrate River by maintaining a low defensive line and exploiting counterattacks through quick transitions. Their defensive organization could make this a tighter contest than expected.

Given River’s strong home record and Sarmiento’s struggles away from home, the hosts are expected to dominate most phases of the game. However, the visitors’ defensive discipline and River’s recent inefficiency in front of goal suggest that this could be a low-scoring affair decided by fine margins.

River Plate vs Sarmiento prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Home Win (1) with a 63% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 22%, while an Away Win (2) stands at 14%.