Argentine giants River Plate began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in a hard-fought Group E encounter.
Goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastian Driussi, and substitute Maxi Meza sealed the win for the South American side against a spirited Urawa team.
River Plate started strongly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Facundo Colidio headed in a well-placed cross from Marcos Acuna. “We needed to start the tournament like this,” Colidio told DAZN post-match. “We knew it was going to be a tough game. Today we were very effective and that’s why we won. We knew we had to be intense too and we took our chances.”
The Japanese side pressed for an equaliser before halftime, seeing a Marius Hoibraten goal disallowed for offside and forcing a sharp save from River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani.
However, River Plate extended their lead just three minutes into the second half. Sebastian Driussi capitalized on a defensive error from Hoibraten, heading the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa. Urawa pulled a goal back in the 58th minute when Yusuke Matsuo converted a penalty after a foul by Acuna.
As Urawa pushed for a leveller, River Plate landed the decisive blow in the 73rd minute. Maxi Meza headed home from a corner, with Marcos Acuna providing his second assist of the match.
“I’m happy with the first game. There was a lot of nerves, it was important to win,” said River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo. “They are a physical, fast and dynamic team, we knew it was going to be like that. The goals gave us peace of mind… we have room for improvement for what’s to come.”
River Plate will next face Mexican side Monterrey on Saturday, while Urawa Red Diamonds will play against Champions League runners-up Inter Milan.
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