El Millonario fell 3-2 during its visit to La Paternal in the League Cup debut. The recent Argentine champion continues to struggle after early exits from Copa Argentina and Copa Libertadores. River Plate opened Group A of the League Cup with a 3-2 defeat against Argentinos Juniors at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
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The night delivered everything fans hoped for: nonstop action and a flurry of goals. The hosts began by pressing hard and taking the lead through a Marco Di Cesare header. The visitors answered promptly, gaining ground and creating danger. A well-worked move by Miguel Borja was finished by Augustine Palavecino, leveling the score at 1-1. Moments later, Franco Moyano earned a penalty for the Colombians, and although Borja saved the initial shot, the rebound was driven home by the midfielder to make it 2-1 for River.
River’s lead lasted just a short spell, as a set piece once again troubled the visitors. Luciano Gondou stepped up, equalizing and sending the teams to a 2-2 half-time score. The decisive moment arrived late, with a surge of pressure from Argentinos. Rodrigo Aliendro made a misstep that opened the door for Gondou, who struck again to seal a 3-2 victory for the home side. Both teams continued to create chances, but the final result stood firm.
The match dominated the narrative from the stands to the bench, with intense exchanges and dramatic shifts that kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle. Inside La Paternal, the atmosphere was electric as supporters witnessed a hard-fought duel that lived up to expectations.
GOALS, SUMMARY AND VIDEOS
- ARGENTINE GOAL! The Bicho returns to the scoreboard as Gondou doubles the tally after a contact foul by Aliendro.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! A spectacular moment at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium as Luciano Gondou nets to bring the score to 2-2 on his debut with the new kit.
- RIVER TARGET! Barco picks up the rebound from Moyano’s saved penalty and turns the momentum in River’s favor.
- RIVER TARGET! Borja assists and Palavecino finishes to equalize at 1-1.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Marco Di Cesare opens the scoring for La Paternal with a precise header.
- The eleven chosen by Martín Demichelis.
- The dramatic tally sequence continues to define the night for both sides.
STATISTICS
The match report summarizes an evening of goals, saves and tactical shifts that kept the audience glued to the action.
Citation: Goal