By Stephen Tew (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 31, 2015 02:23 PM EDT

As if the drama couldn't be heightened any more before a cup final of this magnitude. Last week's 0-0 draw at the Estadio Universitario means that the 2015 Copa Libertadores will come down to a winner-takes-all match at the Estadio Monumental.

River Plate will welcome Tigres to the Estadio Monumental knowing that they are overwhelming favorites after coming away from Monterrey last Wednesday with a tie on level terms.

River coach Marcelo Gallardo praised his side after their resolute performance at El Volcan, saying after the match: "The players made a great effort, and I want to thank them for that. I saw players that played out of their skin with every ball, when the body and head did not respond. River became a competitive and mature team that didn't bend and gets stronger in adverse circumstances."

Gallardo, who played in River's last Libertadores success 19 years ago may well be absent from the River dugout after being sent to the stands during 0-0 draw after a confrontation with the fourth official.

Gallardo may be joined in the stands by defender Gabriel Mercado after his yellow card in the first leg will rule him out for Wednesday's second leg.

Tigres meanwhile will be sweating on the fitness of defender Hugo Ayala, who limped out of the first leg, but coach Ricardo Ferretti with the rest of his squad available will be confident that his side can come away with the Libertadores trophy.

Tigres will be boosted by the return of June signing Javier Aqunio who could give the Monterrey side an extra edge to their attack. Aqunio was one of Tigres brightest players in their Semi-Final victory over Brazilian side Internacional and could well be the difference maker for Tigres in this second leg.

Ferretti has told his side not to fear River Plate despite their home advantage and will hope that his side can be more ruthless in the second leg after missing several guilt edge chances at El Volcan.

This match will be the fourth time that these two sides have met this season and, unlike the other three occasions that have all ended in a draw, there will have to be a winner on Wednesday night.

Whichever side it is that raises the prestigious trophy after the match, neither side will need any further encouragement as both teams came into the Final chasing a Copa victory that would seal their place in the history books.

For River Plate this final offers the chance to return to the highest echelons of South American football and complete their redemption. After their financial difficulties lead to relegation to the Argentine second division in 2011, River Plate hope to end their 19 year wait for a Libertadores trophy.

For Tigres the 90 minutes ahead provides them with the chance to be the first ever Mexican team to win the competition. Despite the two previous Mexican sides falling in finals, Tigres fans will see this as a destined third time lucky for Mexico and their beloved team.
When: Wednesday August 2nd
Where: Estadio Monumental, Buenas Aires

Kick-Off: 22:00 UTC-3

Live Stream:LiveSoccertv.com

TV: Univison Deportes,FOX Deportes

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