Leonardo Ponzio lost his debut match as Club Atlético River Plate's manager, with the team falling to a 2-3 defeat against Banfield at the Florencio Sola stadium. The former player took over on an interim basis from his technical secretariat role, suffering a setback for a side currently 11th in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 7 points. The details were reported by Clarín Deportes on August 30, 2026.
River Plate's attack fired with goals from Thiago, Correa, and Driussi. This result marks a second consecutive win for the team, improving a recent run of three wins and two draws in their last five outings. The 44-year-old manager, with three decades inside a football pitch, was aware of the challenge. "La palabra fue interinato, hay que saberla respetar. Después, se verá," Ponzio stated.
How did Ponzio handle his first match?
Ponzio explained he delegated responsibilities to his staff, including figures like Escudero, Manfredi, and profe Segura, who come from the club's youth system. He trusted his collaborators to manage a midfield he described as difficult, with players like Aníbal Moreno, Vera, and Lucas Silva. The manager also publicly defended Lucas Martínez Quarta, acknowledging a tough period but pointing to his quality and experience with the Argentine national team.
Physical fatigue was evident in the second half, which Ponzio attributed to players arriving from travel. Still, the team held on for the win. This victory brings River Plate to within nine points of leaders Argentinos JRS, in a season where the club has scored 7 and conceded 8 goals. Fans can track the team's progress on our stats page.
What does the interim role mean for River Plate?
Ponzio made clear his position is temporary and his primary loyalty is to the institution. "Me debo a esta institución," he declared. His transition from an administrative role to the touchline comes at a time when the club needs stability. The manager called for respect towards club legends like Jonatan Maidana and Ignacio Scocco, underlining the importance of tradition within the squad.
The team's current context, with a negative goal difference (-1) after seven matchdays, demands rapid improvement. The next test is against sixth-placed Independiente Rivadavia on September 6th at the Monumental. Supporters can check the full schedule on our fixtures section.
What are the immediate challenges ahead?
The immediate goal is to solidify the positive run. With the next match at home, River Plate has a chance to climb the standings. Ponzio must manage a squad with attacking talent but defensive inconsistencies. The win at Banfield, though narrow, injects confidence.
The work now is to prepare for a match against a direct rival in the upper part of the table. The continuity of Ponzio's interim tenure will depend on results in the coming fixtures, starting with a crucial encounter next week.
