River Plate vs Libertad: 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16

River Plate and Libertad will face off in the Round of 16 of the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores. This two-legged series promises high-intensity football between two teams with strong international histories, each aiming to advance in South America's most prestigious club tournament. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know: match dates, venues, team form, past encounters, and how to buy tickets for River Plate vs Libertad second leg at El Monumental Stadium.

When and where is River vs Libertad being played?

The Round of 16 matchup will be played over two legs, with dates confirmed by CONMEBOL. River Plate will play the second leg at home, having finished first in their group.

First leg: Libertad vs River Plate in Paraguay

The first leg will take place in Paraguay on Thursday, August 14 at 9:30 PM (GMT -3). Originally, the match was expected to be held at Defensores del Chaco, the country’s national stadium with a capacity of 42,000. However, Libertad chose to host the game at their own stadium, La Huerta, recently renovated through a CONMEBOL support program. With a capacity of 14,000, La Huerta offers a more intimate and familiar setting for the local fans.

Second leg at El Monumental: River Plate vs Libertad in Argentina

The second leg is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 at 9:30 PM (GMT -3), at River Plate’s iconic Más Monumental Stadium. With a capacity of 85,018, it is the largest stadium in South America and one of the most modern. River will enjoy home advantage in the decisive match, backed by their passionate crowd in a venue known to make a difference.

How are River and Libertad performing ahead of this matchup?

Both teams advanced from the group stage with solid results, though their paths were quite different.

River Plate in the 2025 Copa Libertadores

River topped Group B, competing against Barcelona SC (Ecuador), Universitario (Peru), and Independiente del Valle (Ecuador). They finished first with 12 points and a goal difference of +6, ranking as the fourth-best group leader overall. Their results were:

• 1-0 vs Universitario (A)

• 0-0 vs Barcelona (H)

• 2-2 vs Independiente del Valle (A)

• 3-2 vs Barcelona (A)

• 6-2 vs Independiente del Valle (H)

• 1-1 vs Universitario (H)

River remained undefeated with 3 wins and 3 draws, showing strong offensive power, especially in home matches.

Libertad in the 2025 Copa Libertadores

Libertad competed in Group C alongside São Paulo (Brazil), Alianza Lima (Peru), and Talleres de Córdoba (Argentina). They finished second with 9 points, ranking as the fifth-best runner-up in the tournament.

Their results were:

• 1-0 vs Alianza Lima (A)

• 2-0 vs Talleres (H)

• 0-2 vs São Paulo (H)

• 0-0 vs Talleres (A)

• 1-1 vs São Paulo (A)

• 2-2 vs Alianza Lima (H)

With 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, Libertad showed strong defensive structure and resilience on the road—traits that make them a tough opponent in knockout stages.

River and Libertad in Copa Libertadores history

River Plate is one of the most successful clubs in South America, having won the Copa Libertadores four times (1986, 1996, 2015, and 2018), and reaching the final on three other occasions. They are regular contenders and have extensive experience in knockout rounds.

Libertad is one of Paraguay’s most consistent teams in international competitions. While they have never reached a Copa Libertadores final, they have made several appearances in quarterfinals and semifinals, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level.

River and Libertad have faced each other 14 times—10 in Copa Libertadores and 4 in Copa Sudamericana. River holds the advantage with 9 wins, Libertad has 4, and there has been 1 draw.

Their most recent meetings took place in the 2024 Libertadores group stage, where River won both matches: 2-1 in Paraguay and 2-0 in Buenos Aires.

Experience River Plate live with Football Tickets Argentina

Don’t miss one of the most exciting matchups in the 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16. At Football Tickets Argentina, we offer official, verified tickets for River Plate’s home matches. Get your tickets for the second leg against Libertad with personalized assistance in your language and full support before, during, and after the event.