A Breath of Fresh Air: River Plate 2 – Argentinos Juniors 0
River Plate finally found their footing in the 2026 Torneo Clausura (the second half of the Argentine football season) by beating Argentinos Juniors 2-0 at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The victory ended a devastating streak of six consecutive defeats across all competitions and gave the team its first three points in the tournament. Goals from Gonzalo Montiel (36th minute) and Ángel Correa (penalty, 41st minute of the second half) silenced the critics, while new signing Thiago Almada delighted the crowd with a dynamic performance in his debut.
The match, played on 16 August 2026, was a must-win for coach Eduardo Coudet and his players. River had entered the fixture with zero points and zero goals in four matches, having lost 1-0 to Barracas Central, Gimnasia, Rosario Central, and Tigre. Their last goal had come on 17 July, when Rafael Santos Borré scored a consolation in a 3-1 loss to Aldosivi in the Copa Argentina. Meanwhile, Argentinos Juniors arrived as the unbeaten leader of Group B with 12 points and nine goals in four games, but they were outplayed by a determined River side.
The Opening Goal: Montiel Capitalizes on Almada's Shot
In the 36th minute of the first half, Thiago Almada – who had just joined from Atlanta United for a record fee in Argentine football – unleashed a powerful shot that was parried by the goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Montiel, who had pushed forward as an extra attacker. The right-back, a World Cup champion with Argentina in 2022, calmly slotted the ball past Brayan Cortés to make it 1-0. Montiel celebrated with a gesture of apology to the fans, acknowledging the pressure the team had been under.
Penalty Drama: VAR Overturns Initial Call
With 41 minutes gone in the second half, Ángel Correa weaved through the left flank and was grabbed by Gabriel Florentín. Referee Facundo Tello initially played advantage, but when Correa entered the box, Florentín clipped him dangerously. Tello didn't whistle, but the VAR intervened and instructed him to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, Tello awarded a penalty. Correa stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, scoring his first goal for River since joining from Atlético Madrid.
Analysts at Infobae praised Tello's application of the advantage rule: “He correctly allowed play to continue after the initial shirt pull, but the subsequent foul inside the area was clear.”
Match Facts at a Glance
- Date: August 16, 2026
- Stadium: Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Referee: Facundo Tello
- Goals: Montiel (36'), Correa (pen. 86')
- Attendance: ~85,000
- Previous form: River 0 pts, 0 goals in 4 games; Argentinos 12 pts, 9 goals
Almada's Debut and Montiel's Injury Concern
Thiago Almada was the star of the night. The Argentine international, who joined from the MLS side Atlanta United, orchestrated the attack, took set pieces, and even provided the shot that led to the first goal. He was substituted late in the game to a standing ovation. “I'm so happy to debut with this shirt,” he said post-match. However, Montiel felt discomfort in his left adductor early in the second half and had to be replaced by Giovanni González. He left the pitch with ice on the area, and his availability for the upcoming Copa Sudamericana match is uncertain.
Player Ratings (as per TyC Sports)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago Beltrán (GK) | 6 | Little to do, but shaky with the ball at his feet |
| Gonzalo Montiel | 7 | Scored the opener, solid defensively, went off injured |
| Lucas Martínez Quarta | 6 | Steady, organized the backline |
| Nicolás Otamendi | 7 | Leader, nearly scored with a header |
| Francisco Ortega | 6 | No mistakes on the left |
| Tobías Andrada | 5 | Disharmonious, one of the weaker links |
| Aníbal Moreno | 6 | Good link between defense and attack |
| Thiago Almada | 6 | Promising debut, involved in the first goal |
| Ángel Correa | 8 | Man of the match, decisive in both goals |
| Joaquín Freitas | 5 | Ineffective, substituted |
| Lucas Beltrán | 5 | Too isolated, no clear chances |
Substitutes: Giovanni González (5), Rafael Borré (4), Fausto Vera (6), Lautaro Rivero (5), Tomás Galván (5).
Tactical Approach by Coudet
Coach Eduardo Coudet deployed a 4-2-3-1 with only one holding midfielder (Moreno), giving Almada and Correa freedom to roam. “We will improve; we have a great squad,” he said after the match. The win provides some relief for “El Chacho,” whose job was under scrutiny after four straight league losses. His decision to replace Beltrán with Borré raised eyebrows, but the team responded with character.
What's Next: Sudamericana and the Vélez Derby
River's next challenge is a trip to Colombia to face Independiente Santa Fe on 19 August in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. Then, on 23 August, they host Vélez Sarsfield in the league. The victory over Argentinos not only snapped the losing streak but also restored hope that this star-studded squad can finally click. For neutrals, it’s a reminder of the passion and unpredictability of Argentine football.
Sources: ESPN, TyC Sports, Infobae.