River Plate advances to the semi-finals after a dramatic quarter-final win over Belgrano
The goal was a late-season breakthrough for the River Plate striker, who fired home in the final moments of the match to seal a 2-1 victory in the quarter-final clash. The moment proved pivotal, tipping the scales in favor of the visitors and setting the tone for the rest of the night at Mario Kempes Stadium.
In a game that stretched into extra time after a tense 120 minutes of regulation, the Professional League Cup quarter-final pitted Belgrano against River Plate in a tight contest. Salomón Rondón opened the scoring for River, giving the favorites the lead early, while Lucas Passerini responded for Belgrano with a late equalizer that forced penalties. Yet, Facundo Colidio stepped up when it mattered most, sparking a decisive turn of events that would decide the tie as the night wore on.
It wasn’t long into the additional period when Tello’s whistle signaled the clock’s march into stoppage time, and the stadium hummed with anticipation. Esequiel Barco found space at the edge of the box, letting Enzo Díaz peel away from his marker and drawing a helpful line of movement that allowed Barco to deliver a perfectly weighted pass. The ball found Colidio, who timed a strong, low strike with precision, slipping it past the keeper and into the net for the 2-1 advantage.
The goal carried more weight than just the scoreline. It highlighted River Plate’s tactical discipline and their willingness to press with intent in the closing moments, even as Belgrano pushed forward with late vigor. Colidio’s finish was as clean as it was crucial, a reflection of the team’s belief that the tie could be decided on the night, rather than being left to penalties by default.
For River Plate, the win marked a demonstration of resilience. The squad had to absorb an equalizing strike and respond with composure, maintaining the framework that had seen them through earlier rounds. Belgrano, on the other hand, showed stubbornness and grit, turning what could have been a standard quarter-final exit into an occasion to challenge the title hopefuls in front of a passionate audience.
The match storyline hinged on key moments around the box and the ability of players to seize opportunities in the final third. Rondón’s early impact gave River Plate a foothold, but Belgrano’s persistence kept the tension high, culminating in a dramatic finish that tested both teams’ nerves and decision-making under pressure. In the end, the late winner from River Plate provided the decisive edge, lifting the team into the semi-finals and keeping their cup campaign very much alive.
Officials and spectators alike witnessed a contest that balanced technique with tenacity. The tempo swung between measured buildup and brisk counterattacks, with each side’s plan under scrutiny as the clock ticked toward the closing minutes. The narrative of the night underscored the importance of mental focus, timely pressing, and the ability to convert rare openings into tangible rewards on the scoreboard.
Looking ahead, River Plate will carry the momentum of this late triumph into the next round, where the competition’s stakes rise and every moment under the lights becomes a test of character. Belgrano will regroup, focusing on recovery and preparation as they look to rebound in forthcoming fixtures. The quarter-final clash delivered a compelling chapter in the tournament’s saga, featuring a blend of individual brilliance and collective stamina that kept fans engaged until the final whistle.
Note: The narrative of the match centers on the decisive late strike and the performance of key players who shaped the outcome. The outcome solidifies River Plate’s progress in the cup and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting semi-final run.