River Plate, eager to secure their fifth Copa Libertadores title, is bringing out the big guns in Belo Horizonte this Tuesday when they face a fired-up Atlético Mineiro, who’s looking to take control of the semifinal in their home leg of the continental tournament.

The Brazilian side is riding high after knocking out Vasco da Gama and booking their spot in the Copa do Brasil final on Saturday. Now, they’ve got their sights set on making it to the Libertadores final as well. Both teams are considered top contenders for the title, and it’s shaping up to be an even battle. While the Argentinians come into this first leg undefeated, the Brazilians are determined to keep their unbeaten home record in this year’s international competition.

In their domestic leagues, both teams have shifted focus to the Libertadores. River Plate is currently sitting in eighth place, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games. Atlético Mineiro, meanwhile, is in ninth, with two draws, two losses, and just one win in their recent matches.

Coached by Argentine Gabriel Milito, they know they need to make their home advantage count before facing a tough River Plate in Argentina for the second leg.

However, Mineiro’s coach will be missing Matías Zaracho, as the Argentine midfielder is still recovering from surgery, and both forwards Bernard and Cadu are out with right knee injuries. Despite these absences, Mineiro is confident, with Hulk leading the charge as their top scorer, and Guilherme Arana and Rubens back from injury, both playing crucial roles in their Copa do Brasil run.

River’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, is set to lead his offensive line with Facundo Colidio and Colombian striker Miguel Ángel Borja, backed up by Fabricio Bustos and Gonzalo Martínez, who are returning to action after recovering from injuries. The winner of this Mineiro-River Plate showdown will face either Botafogo or Peñarol in the Libertadores final.