Match Snapshot and Key Moments
The fortune of the match swung multiple times as the Millionaire led the board on two occasions, appearing poised to claim victory. Yet de Fortin stayed vigilant and stopped any premature celebrations from taking hold, keeping the scoreboard balanced and the tension high.
Jose Amalfitani witnessed a compelling contest, especially after the break, where the match did not hinge on a single declarer or a comfortable lead. Beyond a rough patch that Vélez endured and Tigre Gareca could not overturn, the 2-2 draw stood as a testament to relentless effort. River showed moments of inefficiency, yet converted opportunities twice, and at one point the game shifted to El Chila Gomez, signaling a dramatic turn in the narrative.
Before Robert Rojas opened the scoring, Fortin’s goalkeeper had already produced several superb saves. They proved insufficient when the Sicario struck after a rebound, a ball he had previously parried. As local fans raised complaints about a perceived lack of urgency, the game pivoted into a display of precision and pace. Lucas Pratto, known for his physical presence, finished cleanly to bring the scoreline to 1-1.
With parity established, each side pressed forward, exchanging blows in a high-stakes duel. The Millionaire struck with a decisive header from Beltrán, but Vélez once again tightened its defense. Ortega charged through alone and unleashed a precise left-foot finish that beat Armani, sealing a 2-2 draw to the final whistle. The result stirred different emotions in the two camps, celebrated in Liniers and lamented in Núñez.
GOALS, SUMMARY AND VIDEOS
- VÉLEZ GOAL Left foot cross from Ortega eludes Armani as the Fortín levelizes the contest
- RIVER GOAL Beltrán’s towering header opens a tense, hard-fought match
- Prestianni sparked a dangerous counter, though Cabrera blocked the final shot at the edge of the box
- Chila Gomez emerged again as a constant threat, applying pressure on River’s defense
- Solari faced a tough choice on a counterattack that did not translate into a goal
- VÉLEZ GOAL Fortín advanced with a clean move down the field and Pratto found space to finish
- RIVER GOAL After a superb save by Gómez, the Sicario capitalized on the rebound for a 1-0 lead
- Barco unleashed a blistering strike that the keeper saved with a dynamic palm swipe
- River’s initial strike came through Borja, with Gómez keeping the effort out at the near post
- An emotional moment of silence turned to applause honoring Palito Manrique
- Oso Pratto shared hugs with former teammates, a warm moment of camaraderie