Prediction Unión Santa Fe vs River Plate 2025 – Betting Tips for the Copa Argentina on 29/08/2025

Preview: big-cup night in Ciudad de Santa Fe

The Copa Argentina Round of 16 brings a classic David-versus-Goliath flavour to Estadio 15 de Abril as Unión Santa Fe host River Plate on 29 August 2025. The stage is set on Bulevar Pellegrini with referee Carlos Andrés Gariano in charge and a stadium capacity just over 40,000 — the perfect backdrop for a knockout tie that promises intensity and tactical nuance. Unión arrive off a mixed spell: a recent 1-1 draw with Huracán and a convincing 4-0 win at Instituto underline their capacity to produce moments of real threat at home. River, meanwhile, roll into town unbeaten across the sampled run, their recent Lanús 1-1 draw following a penalty shootout win over Libertad pointing to a side confident in managing tight contests.

Form, momentum and what the numbers tell us

River Plate’s profile here reads like the more consistent outfit. Their latest sequence shows five wins and five draws across ten matches with zero losses, and the raw attacking numbers back that up: 45 total shots with 14 on target in recent scans and an attack average clocking 138 dangerous touches — figures that contrast sharply with Unión’s quieter attacking footprint. Unión’s home stats are respectable: three goals scored at home, one conceded and a healthy corners average, suggesting they can test River on set-piece moments and disrupt rhythm in front of their supporters. But the decisive edge lies in River’s balance — more shots inside the box, more dangerous attacks and two clean sheets indicating solidity without sacrificing forward impetus.

Head-to-head history offers a cautionary note: the last meeting ended 0-0 in the Liga Profesional, a reminder that even heavy favourites can be held if the occasion tightens. Unión’s recent home results include a trio of draws and a mix of outcomes suggesting a team that can frustrate but also struggle to finish chances consistently. River’s recent best-player ratings in matches, with Giuliano Galoppo highlighted after the draw with Lanús, point to individuals stepping up in clutch moments; Unión’s M. Estigarribia earned plaudits in their latest outing, indicating that moments of brilliance could come from either side.

Match narrative and likely script

Expect River to carry the tempo early, probing wide and through quick combinations inside the box. Unión will likely set up compactly, look to absorb pressure and exploit transitions or set-piece opportunities in front of their crowd. The referee’s presence and the knockout stakes may tighten the game and reduce risks, especially in the opening hour — but River’s superior shot volume and control of dangerous attacks should tell over 90 minutes.

Betting suggestion: Back River Plate to win (1X2). River’s unbeaten form, superior attacking metrics and a clear probability edge in the odds make the away win the most sensible single-market pick for this tie.