Seattle is alive with excitement as River Plate embarks on their 2025 Club World Cup journey. In the thrilling opening match of Group E, the Argentine giants will face off against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds at the iconic Lumen Field—a clash between a South American powerhouse and a disciplined underdog eager to create history.
River Plate enters this prestigious tournament as CONMEBOL’s top-ranked club, having secured their place under the leadership of Martin Demichelis. Now, they are poised to make a triumphant return with Marcelo Gallardo, the club’s most decorated manager, back at the helm aiming for international glory.
With a squad featuring stars like World Cup winners Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, and Marcos Acuña, coupled with a farewell farewell appearance from rising star Franco Mastantuono before his move to Real Madrid, the expectations couldn’t be higher.
On the other side, the Urawa Red Diamonds offer a unique challenge. While Japanese football may not boast the same global prestige, the Red Diamonds’ disciplined and tenacious playing style is reminiscent of Japan’s famous upsets over Germany and Spain in recent World Cups, making them a dangerous opponent.
Under the guidance of Bruno Lage, the three-time Asian champions will be looking to play the role of spoilers against one of the tournament favorites.
Paddy Power positions River Plate as the clear frontrunner, with a win priced at 4/9. An upset by the Red Diamonds stands at 6/1, while a draw is listed at 10/3. To maximize your excitement, check out the betting options and predictions for this highly anticipated clash.
Betting Tips and Predictions for River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds
Over 2.5 Goals in the Match: 4/6 (Betway)
Both River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds are known for their attacking flair, and their recent performances have hinted at defensive vulnerabilities. In six of River’s last seven matches, this over has hit, and Urawa has seen similar outcomes in four of their last five outings.
Marcelo Gallardo’s side plays with an aggressive offensive mindset, often leading to exhilarating end-to-end action. Except for a recent 3–0 victory over Gimnasia, River’s last five matches have featured goals from both teams, making this selection particularly enticing.
Sebastian Driussi to Score at Any Time: 4/1 (Betway)
After an initial struggle upon his return from Austin FC in MLS, Sebastian Driussi has finally hit his stride as River’s main attacking threat. Now the first-choice striker, he has netted six goals in the past half-season, evenly split between the Apertura and Copa Libertadores.
Nearly a decade after featuring in the 2015 Club World Cup final against Barcelona, Driussi finds himself back on this grand stage, facing a Urawa defense that has concedes goals in five of its last six matches. This could be a defining moment for him.
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Predicted Scoreline and Likely Outcomes for River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds
Here are some of the most likely outcomes for this Club World Cup showdown, according to Paddy Power. Note that the odds could shift as the match approaches:
Result | Odds |
---|---|
River 1-0 | 13/2 |
River 2-0 | 13/2 |
River 2-1 | 15/2 |
Draw 1-1 | 15/2 |
Draw 0-0 | 14/1 |
Red Diamonds 1-0 | 18/1 |
Red Diamonds 2-1 | 18/1 |
How to Watch River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds
- Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
- Time: 8:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN