Prediction Lanús vs River Plate 2025 – Betting Tips for the Liga Profesional de Fútbol on 26/08/2025

Match preview: home heat meets unbeaten visitors

Lanús welcome River Plate to the Estadio Ciudad de Lanús - Néstor Díaz Pérez on 26 August in a clash that carries the tension of a group campaign entering its sixth round. Lanús arrive sitting fifth in the 2nd Phase table with nine points from five matches, a side that has shown grit at home and a tidy defensive profile across recent weeks. Their Copa Sudamericana victory over Central Córdoba SdE on 22 August — decided on penalties after a tight 1-0 result in regular time — underlined a team comfortable in low-scoring, tight encounters. Carlos Roberto Izquierdoz was singled out with the best player rating in that tie, a reminder of the defensive leadership Lanús can deploy at the back.

River Plate, by contrast, are leading the group with 11 points and remain unbeaten. Their recent schedule has seen them balance continental and domestic demands, coming through a penalty shootout win over Libertad in the Copa Libertadores after a 1-1 draw and displaying attacking verve in a 4-2 win over Godoy Cruz. Franco Armani earned the best player billing in the Libertadores tie, and River’s attacking numbers are impressive: a notably higher volume of shots, dangerous attacks and an eye-catching goals tally across competitions. They travel to Lanús having conceded very little away from home in the dataset provided, reinforcing their reputation for organization on the road.

Tactical tendencies and what to expect

The numbers paint a picture of a contrast in style. Lanús have been efficient and compact, with more clean sheets and fewer goals in their group matches, while River’s statistical advantage lies in the quantity and quality of their attacking play — more total shots, more shots on target and a superior dangerous attacks average. Both sides have delivered results recently, but River’s unbeaten run and greater goal output give them the edge heading into this fixture. The odds reflect that gap: River are the favorites at 2.37, while Lanús are 3.20 and the draw sits at 3.10, suggesting the market anticipates a close contest but leans toward an away triumph.

Given the venue, the recent continental exertions for both teams, and the defensive solidity shown by Lanús contrasted with River’s attacking depth, this promises to be competitive and tense. Expect moments of high intensity, likely few clear-cut chances early on, and a decisive moment that tips the balance in favor of the side with the sharper attacking edge.

Betting suggestion: Back River Plate to win (1X2 market). The visitors’ unbeaten form, superior attacking metrics and recent continental performances make the away victory the clearest value option in this matchup.