River Plate, coached by Marcelo Gallardo, is set to begin its journey in the Copa Argentina 2026 on February 17 against Club Ciudad de Bolívar in the 32nd finals. River is a familiar opponent for them, having faced them in the previous tournament. Despite displaying good football at times and remaining unbeaten in their first three matches this year, the team recently suffered a significant defeat at home against Tigre, losing 4-1.

This heavy loss has raised concerns about the team’s form and their ability to present a more competitive image compared to the previous year. The game against Tigre highlighted vulnerabilities that have not been seen for a decade, particularly since River has not conceded four goals at home in an official match since the Superclásico against Boca Juniors in the 2016 Superliga. Fans and analysts alike are now questioning the team’s resilience and strategy as they prepare for this crucial matchup in the Copa Argentina.

As the team looks to bounce back, the match against Ciudad de Bolívar will be pivotal not just for advancing in the tournament, but also for restoring confidence within the squad. The high expectations placed on River Plate as a historically successful club add additional pressure, making this encounter a critical juncture in their season. Winning this match could provide the morale boost needed to turn their recent fortunes around as they aim for glory in the national cup competition.