River Plate vs Nacional

This Copa Uruguay Group 5 clash carries an underdog storyline: River Plate, relegated to the Segunda División last season, host traditional powerhouse Nacional. Only the group's top two plus the best third-placed sides advance, and the eventual champion earns a direct 2027 Copa Libertadores berth. Nacional, under Daniel Carreño, could only draw 0-0 with Albion in their opener, fielding a heavily rotated side ahead of the league clásico against Peñarol; Maximiliano Silvera and Rubén Botta spurned good chances. River Plate were sharper, beating Progreso 2-0 away through goals from Diego Vera and Inti López. The two sides have crossed paths countless times over the decades, and their last league meeting produced a wild 3-3 draw at River Plate's Parque Saroldi, decided only in stoppage time — a sign this tie could be just as tight. Our prediction: 1-2