River vs. Barracas Central, live for the Clausura tournament

River Plate kicks off its 2026 Clausura tournament campaign against Barracas Central, entering the match amidst a turbulent week marked by significant player arrivals and departures. The club welcomed two World Cup champions and saw the exit of a key idol, Juan Fernando Quintero.

The "Millonario" seeks to quickly overcome recent setbacks, including a painful loss in the Apertura final to Belgrano and a disappointing elimination from the Copa Argentina. Coach Eduardo Coudet faces pressure to turn the team's fortunes around as they return to the Monumental stadium.

Key players returning to the squad include World Cup winners Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolás Otamendi. The team also features talents like Beltrán and Santos Borré, and notably, Ángel Correa, who joined the club recently. Correa inherits the iconic No. 10 jersey, previously worn by Juanfer Quintero, who left the club under contentious circumstances with the coach.

Barracas Central, managed by debutant Damián Ayude, has made minimal changes to its squad. The team's core remains largely intact from the previous season, aiming to build on their performance that narrowly missed the Apertura quarterfinals and saw them eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana group stage. Their only significant additions are Elías Pereyra and Juan Barbieri.