River depends on itself, Boca prays for a miracle: what do they need to advance

The group stage of the Club World Cup is entering its final stage and the Argentine teams arrive with very different situations. River leads its group and heads into the final matchday depending on itself to advance to the round of 16. Boca, meanwhile, is on the verge of elimination and only a miracle would allow it to stay alive.

What River needs

With four points after two matches (a 3-1 win against Urawa Red Diamonds and a 0-0 draw with Monterrey), River leads Group E alongside Inter Milan, its next opponent. The key match will be Wednesday at 10 p.m. at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle.

Marcelo Gallardo's team has qualification in its own hands:

• If it wins, it qualifies for the round of 16 without depending on anyone else.
• If it draws, the scenario varies depending on the result of Monterrey-Urawa:
  • 0-0 draw: If Monterrey wins, River is eliminated.
  • 1-1 draw: If Monterrey wins 3-1 or more, River could be eliminated on goal difference (or even on Fair Play if everything else is equal).
  • 2-2 draw or higher: River qualifies regardless of the other result.
• If it loses, it needs Monterrey not to win its match to have a chance.

What Boca needs

Boca's scenario is much more complicated after the 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich. With only one win in the final matchday, Miguel Ángel Russo's team doesn't advance:

• It must beat Auckland City by more than six goals (Tuesday at 4 p.m.).
• In addition, it needs Bayern to defeat Benfica by the minimum margin.

A draw between the European teams or a win by Benfica automatically eliminates Xeneize. In the event of a tie on points, goal difference could play a role, although the chances remain slim.