Central Córdoba ® left the Juan Gilberto Funes stadium with frustration after suffering a narrow defeat to Independiente Riv. (M) in their second match of the Copa Argentina. The game began positively for Central Córdoba ®, who took the lead in the 29th minute from a free-kick by Facundo Marín. However, the tide turned as Independiente Riv. (M) successfully overturned the deficit. First, Iván Villalba equalized with a header just before half-time, and Mauricio Cardillo sealed the comeback with another header at the 54th minute of the second half.
Cardillo’s goal sent waves of excitement through the crowd as he directed a perfectly placed header from an assist by Alex Arce into the left post.
Sebastián Villa of Central Córdoba ® nearly changed the game’s momentum in the 35th minute, but his shot hit the post, denying the team a chance to extend their lead.
Mauricio Cardillo was undoubtedly the standout player, contributing a crucial goal for Independiente Riv. (M). Villa was also a key figure, taking four shots on target throughout the match.
The head coach of Independiente Riv. (M), Alfredo Berti, utilized a 4-4-2 formation with Ezequiel Centurión in goal; Luciano Gómez, Iván Villalba, Sheyko Studer, and Pedro Souto in defense; Tomas Bottari, Nicolás Retamar, Maximiliano Amarfil, and Thomas Ortega in midfield; and Alex Arce paired with Sebastián Villa up front.
Meanwhile, head coach Daniel Teglia opted for a 4-5-1 formation for Central Córdoba ®, fielding Ignacio Colombo in goal; Francisco Duré, Matías Ramírez, Mateo Yaszczuk, and Mario Senra in the defensive line; Gonzalo Gómez, Simón Sierra, Facundo Marín, Tomás Ramírez, and Joaquín Messi in the midfield; and Pablo Vranjicán leading the attack.
The referee overseeing the match at Juan Gilberto Funes was Pablo Echavarría.
With this victory, Independiente Riv. (M) remains in contention for the championship, earning a ticket to the quarterfinals following their win against Central Córdoba ®.
Substitutions for Independiente Riv. (M)
- 64’ 2T – Thomas Ortega off for Matías Fernandez, Luciano Gómez off for Mauro Peinipil.
- 79’ 2T – Nicolás Retamar off for Alejo Osella.
- 80’ 2T – Pedro Souto off for Mauricio Cardillo, Mauro Peinipil off for Santiago Muñoz Gómez.
Bookings for Independiente Riv. (M):
- 28’ 1T – Iván Villalba (Unsporting Behavior), 15’ 2T – Thomas Ortega (Unsporting Behavior), and 53’ 2T – Tomas Bottari (Unsporting Behavior).
Substitutions for Central Córdoba ®
- 22’ 1T – Matías Ramírez off for Valentino Mozzi.
- 54’ 2T – Francisco Duré off for Valentín Rovetto.
- 72’ 2T – Joaquín Messi off for Emanuel Rodríguez and Simón Sierra off for Juan Ignacio Cettou.
- 73’ 2T – Gonzalo Gómez off for Guido Di Vanni.
Bookings for Central Córdoba ®:
- 26’ 2T – Mateo Yaszczuk (Unsporting Behavior), 26’ 2T – Simón Sierra (Unsporting Behavior), and 45’ 2T – Pablo Vranjicán (Unsporting Behavior).
Red Card for Central Córdoba ®:
- 53’ 2T – Facundo Marín (Direct Red).