The millionaire traveled to Peru pursuing a decisive result, but the mission did not go as hoped.
Peru hosted a memorable Copa Libertadores evening. On matchday four in Group D, Sporting Cristal and River Plate shared the spoils in a dramatic 1-1 clash that kept the group tight and the playoff picture unclear.
The day began earlier in Bolivia where The Strongest edged Fluminense 1-0, seizing six points and forcing both Peruvians and Argentinians to chase a win or at least a positive result to stay alive in the competition. The momentum was clear: there would be no easy path, and every point mattered deeply for both sides in the pursuit of advancement.
The traveler from the original plan pushed forward with relentless intent, yet there was danger in allowing a drop of complacency. A return leg would be the plan, a back-and-forth sequence where either side could snatch victory or watch it slip away. The opening goal finally arrived at 63 minutes, when a misstrike by Franco Armani led to a routine clearance that found Yoshimar Yotún, who hammered home a precise shot and put Cristal ahead in the game.
Demichelis’ squad found themselves in a complicated knot by the moment, buried in the standings and with a bleak outlook. Then at 75 minutes a penalty was awarded after Nacho Fernández was fouled, coupled with another card that sent Rafael Lutiger to the stands. Miguel Borja stepped to the spot, but his attempt was saved and redirected by the keeper Renato Solís, preserving the status quo and keeping River on the hunt for a lifeline.
La Banda pressed on, knowing that a result short of a win would jeopardize their chances of a quick return to Buenos Aires. At 84 minutes, Lucas Beltrán unleashed a shot that clipped the crossbar, and Rodrigo Aliendro followed through with the subsequent rebound, lifting the crowd with a crucial equalizer. The Peruvian side answered with a near-miss that struck the post, a moment that underscored how fine the margins were on the night.
With the outcome already shaping what lay ahead, River found themselves facing two remaining tasks: defeating Fluminense and The Strongest in back-to-back fixtures to keep any dream of advancing alive.
In GOAL We bring you the best from Peru.
SUMMARY, GOALS AND VIDEOS
- RIVER TARGET! Rodrigo Aliendro appeared after a rebound from Lucas Beltrán and sealed the vital 1-1.
- BORJA MISSED, SOLIS SHIELDED! This followed Cristal’s opening 1-0 lead.
- Penalty controversy for River after VAR review led to a spot kick and a red card for the Peruvian defense, reshaping the late stages.
- GOAL FOR CRISTAL! A miscue by Franco Armani allowed the Peruvians to forge ahead early in the second half.
- River lost focus briefly and granted a dangerous opportunity to the opposing team.
- THE BRIGHTEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT! Esequiel Barco produced a brilliant team move that almost altered the result, striking the frame with intensity.
- River pushed forward again, this time through a Beltrán-driven attack that kept the suspense alive.
- Another free kick from River, with Nacho Fernández delivering a testing effort that nearly found a winner.
- The warning signs remained for River as De La Cruz threatened on the break.
- Nacho Fernández came close but could not convert the chance that followed his run.
- The opening tally was recorded for the visitors, setting the tone for a tense finish.
- Confirmed Cristal and River formations as the game wore on, with tactical adjustments evident on both sides.
STATISTICS
Source: Goal