Independiente Rivadavia president Daniel Vila launched a scathing attack on the match referee following his team's 3-1 defeat to Club Atlético River Plate. The match, corresponding to the eighth round of the Torneo Clausura, was played on Sunday, September 6th at the Monumental stadium and marked River's second consecutive win since Leonardo Ponzio took over as coach.
Club Atlético River Plate, currently ninth in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 10 points from 8 games, opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Gonzalo Montiel. The foul was committed by Leonard Costa on Ángel Correa, who had beaten Iván Villalba and entered the box. At the start of the second half, Tomás Galván scored the second for the hosts after a rebound from Nicolás Bolcato following a shot by Thiago Almada.
What did the Independiente Rivadavia president say?
Daniel Vila did not hide his anger after the final whistle. In statements reported by La Nacion AR Deportes, the club official slammed the refereeing performance. "I am very heated, obviously with the refereeing." stated Vila. His criticism went beyond the match official, extending to the head of referees. "If we look at the Copa Argentina, what he did -which is public knowledge- and how he officiated today, tilting the pitch all the time to one side, I don't want him to referee us again. Him and the head of referees, Beligoy -Federico-, another bandit," he concluded.
How did Independiente Rivadavia react on the pitch?
Despite being 2-0 down, the Mendoza-based team managed to pull one back with a header from Álex Arce. Shortly after, Luis Sequeira struck the crossbar with a shot, coming close to an equalizer. However, Club Atlético River Plate sealed the match with a third goal from Tomás Galván, who shot from outside the area. This result leaves River Plate with a season tally of 10 goals scored and 9 conceded, and six points behind leaders Argentinos Juniors.
What is River Plate's current context?
The victory over Independiente Rivadavia is part of a positive run for the team from Núñez. In their last five matches, River Plate has recorded three wins and two draws, and is on a three-game winning streak. This good form is key ahead of the next fixture, a tough visit to face Atlético Tucumán, who currently sit fourth in the table. Fans can track the team's progress on our stats page.
Ponzio's team will look to maintain their unbeaten run and close the gap at the top of the standings, which can be checked on the standings page. The next challenge is on Thursday, September 12th away at Atlético Tucumán.
