Club Atlético River Plate endured a heartbreaking exit from the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday, losing an epic 22-penalty shootout to Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe. The Colombian side prevailed 7-8 from the spot at the Estadio Monumental after the match finished 1-1 in regulation time.
Visiting goalkeeper Weibmar Asprilla was the decisive figure, scoring the final penalty and saving one of River's eleven attempts. In contrast, home goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who had saved three spot-kicks, blasted his own effort over the bar. Sebastián Driussi had opened the scoring for River in the 52nd minute, but a handball by Lucas Martínez Quarta in the 78th minute led to a penalty converted by Franco Fagúndez, forcing the shootout.
How did the match unfold?
River dominated the first half, creating several clear chances. Ángel Correa and Sebastián Driussi had the best opportunities but failed to beat Asprilla. The home pressure finally told in the second period with Driussi's goal, assisted by Gonzalo Montiel. However, the team could not secure the lead and a defensive error gave the visitors a lifeline. The first leg in Bogotá had ended goalless, so everything was decided in Buenos Aires.
The current River Plate squad, which you can view on our squad page, is an experienced group now facing a demanding schedule. This setback adds pressure to their position at the top of the Liga Profesional table, which you can follow on our standings page.
Who scored in the penalty shootout?
For Club Atlético River Plate, Thiago Almada, Ángel Correa, Nicolás Otamendi, Agustín Palavecino, Ezequiel Barco, Rodrigo Aliendro, and Nacho Fernández converted. Rafael Santos Borré, Lucas Martínez Quarta, and goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán missed. For Santa Fe, scorers were Juan Pablo Lovera, Diber Cambindo, Jhon Velásquez, Franco Fagúndez, Iván Scarpeta, Héctor Palacios, Kevin Mier, and goalkeeper Asprilla. Fabián Ángel, Jhonier Torres, and Kevin Andrade failed from the spot.
The sequence extended to the eleventh kicker for each side, an episode that will be recorded as one of the longest in the club's recent history. This result eliminates River Plate from continental competition at an early stage, a key objective for the team this season.
What's next for Club Atlético River Plate?
Elimination focuses the team's attention entirely on the domestic league. River Plate's next official match is a Liga Profesional fixture against Rosario Central this coming Sunday. The immediate schedule, available on our fixtures page, shows a series of key domestic matches where the team will look to reaffirm its leadership.
The coaching staff must now work on the squad's mental recovery after this severe blow. The defeat means Club Atlético River Plate will not feature in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals, where Santa Fe will face Brazil's Vasco da Gama. The match against Rosario Central will be played on Sunday at 17:00 local time at the Estadio Monumental.
