This Sunday, Vélez triumphed at their home ground, the Fortín, by defeating River Plate 1-0. The game’s only goal came in the 5th minute, when Manuel Lanzini executed a powerful shot that found the bottom right corner of Franco Armani’s net, following a precise pass from Matías Pellegrini.
Despite River Plate dominating ball possession with 61%, they were unable to convert that advantage into a victory against their rivals.
Manuel Lanzini shone brightly throughout the match, not only scoring the decisive goal but also completing 22 successful passes and attempting three shots on goal. Another standout was Álvaro Montero, the Vélez goalkeeper, who made five crucial saves and had four accurate passes.
Under the guidance of coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Vélez deployed a 4-5-1 formation, with Montero in goal, supported by García, Mammana, Magallán, and Gómez in defense. The midfield consisted of Baeza, Robertone, Andrada, Lanzini, and Pellegrini, while Florián Monzón led the attack.
Meanwhile, River Plate, coached by Marcelo Gallardo, opted for a 4-4-2 setup. Armani was positioned in goal, with Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Díaz, and Viña forming the defense. In midfield were Vera, Moreno, Galván, and Quintero, and the forwards were Colidio and Driussi.
Match referee Darío Herrera ensured the game flowed smoothly. Looking ahead, Vélez will host Dep. Riestra in their next fixture, while River Plate will face Banfield at home.
Vélez Substitutions
33’ 1T – Pellegrini was replaced by Álex Verón
63’ 2T – Monzón came off for Braian Romero
64’ 2T – Robertone was substituted for Rodrigo Aliendro
76’ 2T – Lanzini was taken off for Imanol Machuca
Yellow Cards for Vélez:
43’ 1T – Guillermo Barros Schelotto
18’ 2T – Florián Monzón
River Plate Substitutions
26’ 1T – Quintero was replaced by Joaquín Freitas
45’ 2T – Armani off for Santiago Beltrán, Galván off for Kendry Páez
65’ 2T – Vera was taken off for Giuliano Galoppo
69’ 2T – Páez replaced by Ian Subiabre
Yellow Cards for River Plate:
17’ 1T – Paulo Díaz (unsporting behavior)
6’ 2T – Matías Viña (unsporting behavior)
41’ 2T – Gonzalo Montiel (insulting or disapproving the referee)