05-05-2025
Soccer-River Plate secures second in Group B with 4-1 win over Velez
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Copa Libertadores - Group Stage - Independiente del Valle v River Plate - Estadio Banco Guayaquil, Quito, Ecuador - April 23, 2025 River Plate's Sebastian Driussi celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Cristina Vega/File Photo
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -River Plate completed the first phase of the Argentine Primera Division Apertura tournament as runners-up in Group B with a commanding 4-1 home win over Velez Sarsfield at the Mas Monumental stadium on Sunday.
Sebastian Driussi opened the scoring for the home side in the 14th minute, capitalising on a save that fell into his path after Franco Mastantuono's shot was blocked.
Facundo Colidio doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a dazzling run to finish with aplomb. The third came five minutes later when goalkeeper Randall Rodriguez failed to hold Mastantuono's shot and the youngster managed to recover the ball to set up Ignacio Fernandez for a fine finish.
Velez threatened briefly before half-time when Maher Carrizo reduced the deficit with a clinical finish after latching onto Agustin Bouzat's incisive through ball on the counter-attack.
Marcelo Gallardo's men maintained their intensity after the break and sealed victory late on when Miguel Borja converted from the spot after Manuel Lanzini was fouled by Valentin Gomez, who was shown a red card.
River's victory left them second in Group B on 31 points, four behind leaders Rosario Central. Velez finished 13th with no chance of qualifying for the second phase.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Michael Perry)
