In a thrilling match at the Bautista Gargantini Stadium, Banfield triumphed over Independiente Riv. with a score of 2-1 thanks to an outstanding double from Gonzalo Ríos. The first breakthrough occurred just as the first half was ending, with Ríos scoring the opening goal in the 46th minute. He extended Banfield’s lead with a powerful header in the 52nd minute of the second half. Although Independiente’s Santiago Muñoz found the net in the 79th minute, it was not enough to alter the outcome of the match.
Ríos was undoubtedly the standout player, netting both goals, executing 16 accurate passes, and taking 2 shots on goal. Lautaro Ríos also made significant contributions, completing 12 effective passes and attempting to score 2 times.
Independiente’s coach, Alfredo Berti, opted for a 5-3-2 formation, positioning Ezequiel Centurión in goal, supported by defenders Ezequiel Bonifacio, Alejo Osella, Leonard Costa, Sheyko Studer, and Thomas Ortega. The midfield featured Luciano Gómez, Maximiliano Amarfil, and Matías Fernandez, while Nicolás Retamar and Alex Arce spearheaded the attack.
Banfield’s coach, Pedro Troglio, also utilized a 5-3-2 setup, with Facundo Sanguinetti guarding the goal. His defensive line included Santiago López García, Sergio Vittor, Nicolás Meriano, Danilo Arboleda, and Ignacio Abraham. The midfield was manned by Santiago Esquivel, Martín Río, and Gonzalo Ríos, with Mauro Méndez and Bruno Sepúlveda leading the front line.
Referee Yael Falcón Pérez took charge of the match, ensuring a fair contest throughout.
Looking ahead, Independiente will face Aldosivi away next, while Banfield is set to host their fierce rivals Lanús in a high-stakes Southern derby.
Changes for Independiente Riv.:
45’ 2T – Ezequiel Bonifacio replaced by Fabrizio Sartori; Santiago Esquivel out for Lautaro Ríos.
53’ 2T – Thomas Ortega substituted by Tomás Muro.
73’ 2T – Luciano Gómez replaced by Santiago Muñoz, Nicolás Retamar out for Juan Barbieri, and Mauro Méndez substituted by Frank Castañeda.
80’ 2T – Leonard Costa replaced by Mauricio Cardillo.
Yellow Cards for Independiente Riv.:
42’ 1T – Sheyko Studer (Unsporting behavior); 26’ 2T – Luciano Gómez (Unsporting behavior); 30’ 2T – Matías Fernandez (Unsporting behavior); 38’ 2T – Ezequiel Centurión (Argument with an opponent); 42’ 2T – Tomás Muro (Unsporting behavior) and Alex Arce (Insulting or protesting to the referee).
Changes for Banfield:
55’ 2T – Santiago López García replaced by Juan Luis Alfaro.
67’ 2T – Gonzalo Ríos substituted by Agustín Alaniz.
68’ 2T – Bruno Sepúlveda out for Rodrigo Auzmendi.
Yellow Cards for Banfield:
3’ 1T – Santiago Esquivel (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing); 27’ 2T – Mauro Méndez (Insulting or protesting to the referee); 27’ 2T – Agustín Alaniz (Insulting or protesting to the referee); 39’ 2T – Rodrigo Auzmendi (Argument with an opponent); and 51’ 2T – Martín Río (Unsporting behavior).