Get the full preview of River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Explore predicted lineups, team form, match importance, and key insights ahead of this crucial Group E clash.
River Plate face Urawa Red Diamonds in their opening FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group E match on June 17. River come in with strong form, boasting solid defense and consistent results, while Urawa have been less consistent, showing resilience but struggling to convert draws into wins. This is their first-ever meeting, and with Group E including Inter Milan and Monterrey, a win here could be crucial. River Plate are the favorites, but Urawa’s disciplined play could make it a close contest.
Recent Team Form
Here’s a detailed and updated view of the recent form for both teams as they head into their Club World Cup clash:
River Plate
Latest 9 matches, all competitions :
• 5 Wins – 3 Draws – 1 Loss
In 2025 Primera División (9 matches):
• 5 W, 3 D, 1 L — averaging 2.00 pts/match, 0.89 goals scored, 0.33 conceded
Last 5 league matches (domestic):
Record: 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss
Goals: 5 scored, 2 conceded (+3 goal differential)
Notable recent fixtures:
Mar 1: Beat Instituto 1–0 at home
Feb 3: Drew 0–0 away at San Lorenzo
In Copa Libertadores and friendlies, they’ve shown solidity with clean sheets and narrow wins
Overall summary:
River Plate are in very good form—particularly domestically—with consistent victories and strong defensive showings in early 2025.
Urawa Red Diamonds
2025 J1 League, 7 matches:
1 Win, 4 Draws, 2 Losses; 1.00 pt average; 5 GF, 7 GA
Home: 1 W, 1 L | Away: 0 W, 4 D, 1 L
Last 6 J1 League matches:
Wins: May 15 vs Kyoto (3‑0), May 11 win away (4‑2), May 6 beat Yokohama F. Marinos 2‑1
Other results: May 19 draw (1‑1 away), May 26 lost 1‑2 at home
Domestic cup / WE League (women’s team):
The women’s side has been exceptional, sitting 2nd with 8 W–3 D–1 L in 12 matches (not directly relevant to the men’s squad).
Overall summary:
Urawa’s 2025 league form is mixed—capable of strong attacking performances in wins, but hampered by a string of draws and some losses, especially at home.
Team Details
A clear breakdown of team details for both clubs in list format:
River Plate
Country: Argentina
Coach: Martín Demichelis
Captain: Franco Armani
Key Players:
Franco Armani – Goalkeeper, veteran leader
Paulo Díaz – Central defender
Gonzalo Montiel – Right-back
Enzo Pérez – Defensive midfielder
Nacho Fernández – Central midfielder
Facundo Colidio, Miguel Borja – Strikers
Franco Mastantuono – 17-year-old attacking midfielder, rising star
Strengths:
• Strong defense with high experience
• Balanced midfield
• Versatile attacking options
Urawa Red Diamonds
Coach: Maciej Skorża
Captain: Shūsaku Nishikawa (Goalkeeper)
Key Players:
Hiroki Sakai – Right-back, former Japan international
Alexander Scholz – Central defender
Takuya Ogiwara – Left-back, overlapping support
Atsuki Ito, Ken Iwao – Central midfielders
Takahiro Sekine, Genki Haraguchi – Wingers/Attacking midfielders
Thiago Santana, José Kanté, Shinzo Koroki – Forwards
Strengths:
• Solid defensive structure
• Experienced core
• Counter-attacking play
Predicted Lineup
The predicted starting lineups for the upcoming Club World Cup clash on June 17:
River Plate (likely 4‑2‑3‑1 / 4‑3‑3)
GK: Franco Armani
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Paulo Díaz, Germán Pezzella, Fabricio Bustos
Midfield: Enzo Pérez and Nacho Fernández (double pivot)
Attacking Mid/Forwards: Franco Mastantuono (behind the striker), with Facundo Colidio and Miguel Borja leading the line
Built on a blend of veteran experience and youthful energy, Mastantuono could be a key creative spark behind Borja/Colidio.
Urawa Red Diamonds (expected 4‑2‑3‑1)
GK: Shūsaku Nishikawa
Defenders: Right-back Takahiro Sekine, center-backs Marius Høibråten & Alexander Scholz, left-back Takahiro Akimoto
Midfield: Double pivot with Ken Iwao and Atsuki Ito
Attacking Midfield/Wingers: Alex Schalk (as a #10), Kaito Yasui and Yoshio Koizumi on the wings
Striker: José Kanté
This setup follows the pattern Urawa used against Manchester City, leveraging a solid defensive base with counter-attacking wingers and Kanté spearheading up front.
Importance – River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds
• Opening Group Match for both teams in Group E (includes Inter Milan and Monterrey).
• Crucial for Qualification: Only the top two teams from the group advance to the knockout stage.
• River Plate:
Must win to assert dominance and build early momentum.
Expected to be group favorites—dropping points could complicate qualification.
• Urawa Red Diamonds:
Opportunity to cause an upset and gain early points.
A draw or win would increase their chances of advancing.
Represents Asian football in a high-profile clash.
• Psychological Edge: Winner of this match gains confidence heading into tougher group fixtures.
• High Stakes Early: Sets the tone for the rest of the group stage—especially with Inter Milan looming.
Conclusion – River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds
River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds is a crucial opening fixture in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. River Plate enter the match as strong favorites, given their consistent form, experienced squad, and attacking depth. Urawa Red Diamonds, while less consistent, have the defensive organization and tactical discipline to make it a competitive encounter. For River, a win would be a major step toward advancing from a tough group that also includes Inter Milan and Monterrey. For Urawa, earning even a point could significantly boost their chances of progressing. Ultimately, this match is more than just a group opener—it could shape the direction of the group stage for both teams.
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