River Plate return to winning ways in Ponzio’s first match as coach

River Plate began Leonardo Ponzio’s tenure as coach with a 3-2 away win over Banfield in the seventh round of Argentina’s Torneo Clausura.

Ángel Correa produced a standout performance and Thiago Almada scored his first goal since joining River Plate. The victory helped the club recover from its elimination by Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe in the Copa Sudamericana the previous Wednesday.

That penalty shootout defeat at home led to Eduardo Coudet’s departure. River appointed Ponzio, who had been working in the club’s youth department, as his replacement.

Independiente endured a heavier setback, losing 3-0 to Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza in Brazilian coach Jadson Viera’s second match in charge. The Avellaneda team left the field to whistles from supporters, amid growing impatience before club elections scheduled for the end of the year.

Argentinos Juniors beat Aldosivi 2-1, while Boca Juniors defeated Lanús 1-0 with a late goal. Saturday’s matches produced mostly draws, including Riestra’s 1-1 draw with Vélez, Huracán’s 1-1 draw with Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Atlético Tucumán’s 0-0 draw with Belgrano and Talleres’ 0-0 draw with Central Córdoba. Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata were the exception, beating Rosario Central 2-1. The round concludes Monday when San Lorenzo visit Instituto in Córdoba.