Group D Copa Libertadores 2023: River Plate earns its first points after a thrilling second-date win
River Plate defeated Sporting Cristal on the second matchday of Group D to secure their first points in the continental competition. The match took place at the Monumental, marking River’s return to home action in this edition of the Libertadores after a rough start abroad. Following the difficult debut in La Paz, the team bounced back with a 4-2 victory that brought much-needed relief to staff, players, and supporters alike.
Group D of the Copa Libertadores 2023: standings, results and calendar
River Plate arrived at the venue in good momentum, riding a streak of seven consecutive wins in the domestic league and boasting a perfect home record in their stadium with three straight wins, during which they had scored seven goals and conceded none. The initial minutes saw a setback when an Ignacio substitutions-led open play goal unsettled the hosts early on.
The visitors from Lima, however, did not let the early setback define the night. Sporting Cristal responded quickly with an equalizer from a well-placed header, leveling the score soon after and energizing the stands. As the first half progressed, River’s pressure intensified, and a well-worked sequence produced another goal, sending the home crowd into a renewed frenzy.
Just before halftime, tension rose as Enzo Díaz received a red card for a late challenge, reducing River to ten men. The resulting free kick tied the game at 2-2, with Washington Corozo delivering a moment of brilliance that sparked celebration from the visiting side and renewed hope for Cristal.
At the start of the second half, Martin Demichelis rotated his forward line by bringing in Pablo Sun, with Nicolás de la Cruz coming off the bench. The change paid immediate dividends as the side regained their rhythm; a decisive goal from Nicolás de la Cruz at 61 minutes put River ahead and quelled much of Cristal’s resistance. The winger who had entered the half-time frame also influenced the tempo, contributing to River’s persistent pressure and late game control.
As captain Enzo Pérez addressed the moment after the match, his remarks reflected the team’s mindset: “we never deviate from our path.” The victory solidified River in the standings, keeping the club within reach of the leaders Fluminense and The Strongest, while building confidence for subsequent matches in the group stage.
VIDEOS, GOALS AND SUMMARY
- RIVER TARGET! Solari delivers a superb assist as Enzo Pérez finishes with aplomb.
- RIVER TARGET! Barco ignites the start of the second half with a sharp effort.
- GREATEST GOAL FROM SP. CRISTAL! Corozo curls in a brilliant free kick to level the match.
- River’s discipline shows as Enzo Díaz is sent off, changing the dynamics of the fixture.
- River pushes forward with relentless energy but finds the finish just shy on several occasions.
- De La Cruz’s quick equalizer heads Skyward after a precise cross from Enzo Díaz.
- SPORTING CRISTAL GOAL! The visitors strike early and surprise the crowd in Núñez.
- The Monumental roars as River’s lineup defends and presses in waves.
- River’s starting XI for the Libertadores home debut showcases depth and balance.