Why Barcelona’s Asian Handicap Price Stands Out

Barcelona head to Buenos Aires in a confident mood after winning their opening Copa Libertadores match an our expert Nathan Joyes believes they can withstand a two-goal beating in an empty El Monumental stadium.

River Plate are heavy favourites to beat Barcelona in their own backyard but it may not be quite as simple as the current odds reflect. Find out why.

Barcelona can take advantage of no crowd

River Plate are the 4th favourites in the betting to win the Copa Libertadores title, but those close to Argentine football will know that it’s going to take a monumental effort for them to brush aside any Brazilian teams en route to the final.

However, first and foremost they need to progress from their group, and although it would be a complete shock if they didn’t, it isn’t going to be easy for Marcelo Gallardo’s team.

They just about got over the line in Peru against Universitario in round one with a narrow 1-0 victory – although quite frankly, anything could have happened in that second half. Two difficult trips to Ecuador await, but first Barcelona must come and test themselves at El Monumental.

Normally one of the most intimidating grounds in South America, this match should be ready to welcome over 80,000 fans to the match. However, instead, there will be none.

That’s because River Plate are serving a ban for their flares and display against Atletico Mineiro in their last home match – the semi-finals – last year.

They were warned, but the fans knew they needed to try and help their team. It didn’t work, as Mineiro held them to a 0-0 draw.

And Barcelona will have the luxury of playing without the intimidating atmosphere. River haven’t been themselves this season, and without their famous support behind them, this becomes an even tougher fixture against the resilient Ecuadorians.

Tough defence can frustrate the hosts

River have only won two competitive home matches this season by two goals twice. One of those came against Independiente, where Facundo Colidio scored River’s second in the 92nd minute.

The other was against Ciudad Bolivar (2-0) in the Copa Argentina – a team that plays its domestic matches in Torneo Federal – a far cry from regular appearances at El Monumental.

Narrow 1-0 wins against Instituto, Lanus, Atletico Tucuman – while drawing with Rosario – have shown how poor River have been in front of their own fans. They may have picked up 13 points from their first six matches, but they’ve only scored seven while conceding four.

Forward Miguel Borja has received plenty of criticism, while Sebastian Driussi has yet to score since his return after stints in Russia and the MLS.

Barcelona have been excellent domestically and they comfortably beat Independiente del Valle 1-0 in round one. The Ecuadorians knocked out Brazilian outfit Corinthians in order to qualify for the group stage, and their athletic defence will frustrate River’s ageing midfield.

Barcelona’s 4-2-3-1 formation should match up perfectly with Gallardo’s 4-3-1-2 formation, where Enzo Perez (38) will be targeted when in possession when Barcelona look to counter and score a goal of their own.

In front of no spectators, River may struggle to find their groove and win by two goals looks unlikely against a much improved Barcelona side, who look good value to challenge River for 1st place in Group B.

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