Just after the hour, the visiting side held firm and grabbed three crucial points, extending their run with a seventh consecutive win during a stay at Leprosy.
River pressed with sharper intent than before. After weathering an uneasy spell, the Millionaire edged Newell’s 1-0 on the road for the twelfth round of the Professional League. The victory kept River within striking distance of the lead, preserving a seven-point cushion with one round remaining and defending San Lorenzo from outside threats.
The first half moved slowly, with little decisive action. The second half opened up, bringing chances for both teams in a game that swung on moments of precision and misfortune. Leprosy had the clearest opportunities yet could not celebrate, hitting the crossbar once and then seeing Armani deny another attempt. The decisive moment arrived when a counterattack began with a block by the rival keeper, flowed through a superb pass from Matías Suárez to Esequiel Barco, and concluded with Pablo Solari sweeping the ball into an empty net after a distant, speculative error from Lucas Hoyos.
VIDEOS, GOALS AND SUMMARY
- RIVER TARGET! On the counter and at the hour, Barcos fed Solari, and the San Luis graduate finished with an open goal after Hoyos misread the moment.
- Armani kept River in front! Ferreira raced through, one-on-one, and the River goalkeeper produced a stunning stop.
- It was a close call! Solari found himself near the goalmouth but launched a cross instead of a shot, costing River a prime chance.
- River’s edge was tangible! Recalde rose high and nodded narrowly wide as Armani went to ground.
- River charged forward! Solari forcedHoyos into a save from close range, and the visiting keeper pushed the ball to a corner.
- Bar saved River again! Iván Gómez struck from distance and nearly opened the scoring for Newell’s.
- Paradela tested Hoyos after a patient build-up, but the finish rolled easily into the keeper’s hands.
- Wasn’t it red? Braian Aguirre clashed with González Pírez, earning a stern word from the referee, with no VAR intervention.
- New danger for Leprosy! Ferreira moved in front of goal, but his shot climbed over the bar.