An early goal from Matías Acuña was enough for Club Atlético River Plate to secure a key 1-0 victory over Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto at the Monumental on Saturday. The win keeps the team in ninth place in the Liga Profesional Argentina, with 16 points from 11 games, six points behind leaders Rosario Central.
Acuña opened the scoring after just six minutes, finishing neatly from a team move. River Plate dominated the match from start to finish, enjoying 73% possession and creating 28 shots, though only eight were on target. Visiting goalkeeper Herrera made seven saves to keep his side in the game, while the home defence, marshalled by Otamendi and Leandro Martínez Quarta, allowed just one shot on target.
Changes to manage the lead
Coach Leonardo Ponzio made several substitutions from the bench to manage the narrow lead. Almada came on for Pereyra in the 68th minute, and Rafael Borré replaced Driussi three minutes later. The final changes came late on, with Franco González and Meza entering for Tomás Galván and goalscorer Acuña. Estudiantes made three changes at the start of the second half in search of a reaction but failed to create any real danger.
The match saw two yellow cards, both for visiting players: Fernando Rodríguez in the 2nd minute and Cabrera in the 16th. River Plate now turn their attention to a tough away fixture against fourth-placed Sarmiento Junín this Wednesday. In the earlier meeting this year, River Plate won 2-0.
Ponzio calls for sharper finishing
His team is in a positive run of form, with four wins in their last five matches, including victories over Banfield, Atlético Tucumán and Independiente Rivadavia.
With this result, River Plate face a decisive week. They travel to the Estadio Eva Perón on Wednesday at 19:00 local time to face a Sarmiento Junín side sitting fourth in the table. Tomás Galván, the team's top scorer this season with six goals, will be a key figure in the search for points on the road. The full squad is available in our squad section.
River Plate confirmed its support for interim manager Leonardo Ponzio, according to statements from the club's leadership to Clarín. "We must let Ponzio work and wait for the desired results to come," said club sources. The former captain's continuity in 2027 will depend on results in the five remaining matches, where the team seeks qualification for the Copa Libertadores. River, ninth with 16 points, visits Sarmiento Junín this Wednesday.
