The quarterfinals of the Copa de la Liga Profesional showed the reality of Argentine soccer: parity is the common denominator, and it is expected that the semifinals will also end up being tight matches.
Godoy Cruz and Platense will play the duel of the surprises, looking to pull off the upset and lift a title of relevance for their history.
On the other hand, River Plate, the great candidate, will face Rosario Central, which overcame Racing in a tight match.
Undoubtedly, the winner between the ‘Millonarios’ and the ‘Canallas’ will be the big favorite due to their history and current squads.
Copa de la Liga Profesional Semifinals: Godoy Cruz vs. Platense
When:
Saturday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m. ET in Estadio Marcelo Bielsa
Moneyline odds:
Godoy Cruz +150
Platense +210
Draw Offs:
+190
Where Can I Watch?
TyC Sports Internacional, Paramount+, ViX, and Fanatiz USA
Godoy Cruz reached the semifinals after a 0-0 draw with Banfield and a 5-3 win on penalties, thanks to defender Emiliano Insúa’s missed penalty kick for the ‘Taladro’.
The ‘Bodeguero’ was second in the group stage, with a poor attack, scoring only 14 goals, and a solid defense, which only allowed nine goals. In addition, in the match against Platense in the round robin, they won 2-0, with goals by Pier Barrios and Ignacio Vásquez (against), so they will be looking to repeat the dose.
Few expected anything from Platense in this tournament, but they managed to qualify for the semifinals. In the previous round, they drew 1-1 with Huracán, who started as favorites and ended up qualifying on penalties (4-2).
The ‘Calamar’ forced a penalty shootout with a goal by Luciano Ferreyra at 88′ and then achieved 100% effectiveness in the penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Ramiro Macagno was the figure, saving two shots. Martín Palermo’s men have scored only 14 goals in the tournament, the lowest number among all the semifinalists.
Godoy Cruz vs. Platense Betting Pick: Godoy Cruz
Copa de la Liga Profesional Semifinals: River Plate vs. Rosario Central
When:
Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET in Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes
Moneyline odds:
River Plate -136
Rosario Central +400
Draw Offs:
+254
Where Can I Watch?
TyC Sports Internacional, Paramount+, ViX, and Fanatiz USA
River Plate is the great favorite to be the Copa de la Liga Profesional champion due to its history, squad, and status as the current king of Argentine soccer. In the quarterfinals, they suffered but could overcome Belgrano 2-1 in Córdoba, thanks to goals by Venezuelan Salomón Rondón and Argentinian Facundo Colidio, who scored at 90+4′.
The ‘Millonario’ is very powerful when it comes to attacking, as evidenced by its 26 goals scored, however, its defense leaves much to be desired, as it has suffered the same number of goals as Platense (16). In favor of the ‘Banda Cruzada,’ they have the experience of players such as Franco Armano, Milton Casco, Enzo Pérez, ‘Nacho’ Fernández, Rondón, and Miguel Ángel Borja.
Rosario Central has a roster of players with a good level of technique and an experienced coach such as Miguel Ángel Russo, who has been champion with Boca Juniors, Vélez, Lanús, and Estudiantes in Argentina.
In the previous phase, the ‘Canalla’ were 2-0 up against Racing but ended up drawing 2-2, so they had to resort to penalties, where goalkeeper Jorge Broun played a key role by saving a shot. Jaminton Campaz is one of the best players in the league, thanks to his ability to combine with his teammates and his goal-scoring quota of six goals, in addition to assisting on three occasions.
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