Facundo Colidio’s superb second-half strike earned River Plate a 1-0 victory over Atletico Tucuman in their Argentine Primera Division Apertura match at a sold-out Mas Monumental on Sunday. The win lifts Marcelo Gallardo’s side to second place in Group B.
River Plate now have 18 points, two behind leaders Independiente and one ahead of Rosario Central, who have a game in hand. Atletico Tucuman remain temporarily in 10th place with seven points.
River Plate dominated the first half, creating numerous chances but failing to convert. Maximiliano Meza, Rodrigo Aliendro, and Franco Mastantuono all went close but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Atletico Tucuman almost took the lead against the run of play just before halftime. River goalkeeper Franco Armani saved Leandro Diaz’s shot, and the rebound threatened to cross the line before center-back German Pezzella cleared the danger with a bicycle kick.
The visitors continued to frustrate River in the second half, with goalkeeper Tomas Durso producing several outstanding saves to deny Meza and Miguel Borja.
Colidio finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute. Receiving a pass from Mastantuono, he unleashed an unstoppable long-range strike that gave Durso no chance.
River’s victory, however, was marred by a late red card. Santiago Simon was sent off in stoppage time for a collision with Miguel Brizuela.
“We know what River demands, the team doesn’t permit you to dwell on the negative,” Colidio said after the match. “(Coach) Gallardo asked us to go out and win, showing that we wanted that victory at all times. And well, I think this is the way forward. We have to keep going.”
The win maintains River Plate’s title challenge, while Atletico Tucuman’s resilient defensive performance ultimately proved insufficient. River Plate’s next match is an away fixture against Deportivo Riestra on Saturday.
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