River Plate return to form with authoritative win over Alex Arce’s Independiente Rivadavia

River Plate produced another strong performance under Leonardo Ponzio, beating Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza 3-1 and securing a second straight victory since the former midfielder took charge.

Gonzalo Montiel opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Tomás Galván added two goals for the Millonario. Independiente Rivadavia replied through Paraguayan striker Alex Arce, but his goal could not change the outcome.

The result continued River’s revival under Ponzio, who replaced Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet. His first victory came last week, when River beat Banfield 3-2. The latest win moved the club up to ninth place in Zone B of the Argentine Clausura tournament.

Argentinos Juniors led the zone before Monday’s matches and were scheduled to visit Barracas Central. Instituto were also due to play away against Unión de Santa Fe.

Sunday’s other results included Rosario Central’s 1-1 draw with Newell’s Old Boys in the Rosario derby. Independiente won 1-0 away to Central Córdoba through Leonardo Godoy, while Lanús beat Defensa y Justicia 1-0 with a goal from Carlos Izquierdoz. Earlier in the round, Boca Juniors drew 2-2 away to Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza. San Lorenzo and Vélez Sarsfield each won 1-0, while Aldosivi beat Banfield 3-1 and Gimnasia defeated Tigre 2-1. Sarmiento had beaten Estudiantes de Río Cuarto 2-0, and Belgrano drew 1-1 with Huracán, as did Platense with Deportivo Riestra.