Buenos Aires offered River Plate a sobering Sunday at the Monumental, where the early lift under Leonardo Ponzio was halted by Huracán and the noise at full time came from dissatisfied home supporters. Three unbeaten matches had given the new arrangement a promising start, but a 2-1 defeat has quickly reopened questions around a side now under pressure in both of its domestic calculations.
River had confirmed during the week that Ponzio would remain in charge until June 2027. Yet the first home setback of his new spell arrived with complications on the pitch as well as unease in the stands. The result pushed River outside the top eight in Group B of the Clausura, removing them from the playoff positions, while their standing in the annual table has also worsened. They are further from first place and, as matters stand, outside the Libertadores qualifying places.
A difficult night at the Monumental
The hosts lost two important players before the interval. Thiago Almada and Tobías Andrada were forced off, with Lucas Beltrán and Mauro Arambarri entering in their place. Huracán then took advantage when Oscar Cortés sent a free-kick into the area; the Colombian’s delivery passed untouched and caught Santiago Beltrán, whose response was unconvincing, before ending in the net.
River’s most dangerous moments came through Ángel Correa, whose individual quality repeatedly disturbed the visitors, while Gonzalo Montiel provided width and momentum from the flank. But the final phase of their attacks lacked precision against a disciplined Huracán defence. Hernán Galíndez strengthened that resistance with two outstanding saves.
The equaliser eventually came from distance, Tomás Galván striking fiercely from outside the box to give the Monumental fresh belief. For a brief spell, River appeared capable of turning the match around. Instead, another defensive lapse allowed Huracán to reclaim the lead, Lucas Blondel steering his finish into the corner for the winner.
Ponzio used only three of his five available substitutions, a choice that added to the post-match debate as River ended the evening to whistles from their own crowd. The encouragement of the unbeaten opening has given way to a sharper test: restoring points, confidence and a place among Argentina’s continental contenders.
Independiente find an answer in Santa Fe
Further north, Independiente de Avellaneda produced a more uplifting response away to Unión de Santa Fe. At the Estadio 15 de Abril, Unión went ahead four minutes after the break through Marcelo Estigarribia, but Independiente overturned the score in the space of six minutes.
Santiago Montiel levelled in the 51st minute before Maximiliano Meza completed the 2-1 comeback in the 57th. The visitors now have 17 points and sit fifth in Zone A, two behind leaders Instituto de Córdoba on 19.
