75% Possession and a Late Almada Goal Give River Plate a 2-1 Win

River Plate defeated Atletico Tucuman 2-1 at Estadio Monumental Jose Fierro, securing a Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura victory in round nine. River led 1-0 at half-time before Thiago Almada restored the visitors’ advantage with a late winner.

Early red card changes the contest

The opening turning point came in the 13th minute, when Atletico Tucuman’s Franco Nicola was sent off. River took advantage nine minutes later. Tobías Andrada put the visitors ahead after receiving an assist from Gonzalo Montiel, giving River control before the break.

Atletico made two changes at half-time, introducing Julián Fernández and Ramiro Ruiz Rodriguez for Iván Tesuri and Leandro Díaz. River later replaced Andrada with Mauro Arambarri in the 53rd minute, then brought on Juan Cruz Meza and Lucas Beltran during the second half. Atletico also used Pedro Alexis Canelo for Nicolás Laméndola in the 73rd minute.

Late response, late River winner

Atletico found an equaliser in the 83rd minute despite spending most of the match with 10 players. Clever Domingo Ferreira Ñamandu finished a move assisted by Lautaro Godoy, briefly bringing the hosts level at 1-1.

River responded before the final whistle. Almada scored in the 90th minute, with Lucas Beltran supplying the assist, to settle the match at 2-1. The disciplinary pressure continued as Julián Fernández, Leonel Di Plácido and River’s Mauro Arambarri and Marcos Acuña received yellow cards. Atletico coach Julio César Falcioni Capdevila was also sent off in the 76th minute.

River controlled the numbers

The statistics showed a clear territorial and possession advantage for River. Leonardo Ponzio’s side held 75% of the ball and completed 652 accurate passes from 735 attempts, compared with Atletico’s 144 accurate passes from 237. River also produced 18 shots to Atletico’s six and had five shots on goal, while the hosts managed one.

Those figures made the final margin surprisingly narrow. Atletico’s goalkeeper made three saves, while River’s goalkeeper was not required to make one. River also had five corners to Atletico’s one, although the hosts’ late equaliser kept the scoreline close until Almada’s decisive finish.

Table position and standout performer

The supplied Clausura standings listed Atletico fifth in Group B with 13 points from eight matches, while River were 10th with 10 points. This result leaves River on 13 points after taking all three available points, while Atletico remain on 13. River’s listed form began with consecutive wins, whereas Atletico’s latest listed result was a loss.

Almada was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating. He scored the winning goal, recorded three shots on target and added two key passes across his 90 minutes.