River Plate Assert Their Authority Against a Paraguayan-Backed Independiente Rivadavia

Leonardo Ponzio’s River Plate continued its revival with a commanding 3-1 victory over Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza in the eighth round of Argentina’s Torneo Clausura.

The match carried a strong Paraguayan presence through the visiting team’s spine. Central defender Iván Villalba, midfielder José Florentín and forward Alex Arce all completed the match for Independiente Rivadavia. Florentín and Arce combined for the visitors’ goal, with Florentín bringing down a cross in the area before Arce finished to make it 2-1.

River built its advantage through Gonzalo Montiel’s penalty and an inspired performance from Tomás Galván, who scored twice. Arce’s goal briefly reduced the deficit, but River held control to secure its second straight victory under Ponzio, who took over after Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet.

The latest win followed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Banfield and lifted River to ninth place in Zone B. Argentinos Juniors led the group before the round was completed.

The weekend also brought a 1-1 draw between Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys in the Rosario derby. Independiente beat Central Córdoba 1-0 in Santiago del Estero, while Lanús defeated Defensa y Justicia by the same score. Boca Juniors drew 2-2 away to Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza, San Lorenzo beat Talleres and Vélez Sarsfield defeated Estudiantes de La Plata 1-0, with Paraguay’s Ronaldo Martínez scoring for Vélez.