NAPLES, ITALY — Hernán López's first-half strike proved the difference as Argentinos Juniors claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over River Plate at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, condemning the visitors to another frustrating defeat in their Argentine Liga Profesional campaign. The home side's clinical edge in front of goal contrasted sharply with River Plate's profligacy, as the visitors dominated possession but failed to convert their opportunities into points.
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when López capitalized on a corner kick routine that caught River Plate's defense napping. Emiliano Viveros delivered a dangerous ball from the left flank, and López ghosted into space at the far post to guide his left-footed effort into the bottom right corner. The finish was composed, the execution perfect, and the celebration jubilant as Argentinos Juniors seized the initiative in what had been an evenly-matched opening period.
River Plate's response was immediate but ultimately fruitless. Just three minutes after falling behind, Agustín Ruberto thought he had restored parity when Tomás Galván threaded a precise pass through the heart of the home defense. Ruberto's right-footed effort from the center of the box carried power and purpose, but Brayan Cortés stood firm, positioning himself perfectly to make a vital save that preserved Argentinos Juniors' slender advantage heading into the interval.
The tactical battle throughout the contest was absorbing, with possession split almost evenly at 51.7% to River Plate and 48.3% to Argentinos Juniors. Yet the statistics told a story of contrasting efficiency: the home side registered 14 shots to River Plate's nine, with five efforts on target compared to just one from the visitors. That clinical edge proved decisive, as Argentinos Juniors made their opportunities count while River Plate squandered theirs.
Santiago Beltrán emerged as River Plate's busiest player, forced into four saves as wave after wave of Argentinos Juniors attacks tested his resolve. The goalkeeper's finest moment came in the 88th minute when Alan Lescano unleashed a venomous left-footed strike from long range. Beltrán reacted superbly, tipping the ball over the crossbar to keep his side's faint hopes alive. At the other end, Cortés needed to make just one save, underlining River Plate's struggles to create clear-cut chances despite their territorial advantage.
The match grew increasingly fractious as River Plate's frustration mounted. Referee decisions became flashpoints, and the visitors' discipline wavered under pressure. Four yellow cards were brandished in River Plate's direction, with Agustín Ruberto and Lautaro Rivero both cautioned for reckless challenges. The 17 fouls committed by the visitors compared to just nine from Argentinos Juniors painted a picture of a team struggling to impose themselves through legitimate means.
Argentinos Juniors demonstrated impressive game management in the closing stages, making intelligent substitutions to preserve their lead. Diego Porcel and Enzo Pérez were introduced in the 83rd minute to shore up the midfield, while Facundo Jainikoski replaced López in the 69th minute to inject fresh legs into the attack. These tactical adjustments proved astute, as the home side nearly extended their advantage in the dying moments when Porcel's right-footed effort from outside the box sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
River Plate's attempts to salvage something from the contest grew increasingly desperate. Maximiliano Salas and Kendry Páez were thrown into the fray in the 71st minute, while Matías Viña replaced Marcos Acuña shortly afterward. The changes failed to spark the desired response, however, as Argentinos Juniors' defensive organization held firm. Juan Quintero, River Plate's creative fulcrum, found himself repeatedly frustrated by the home side's disciplined shape, his left-footed effort from outside the box blocked in the 75th minute.
The final whistle sparked contrasting emotions. Argentinos Juniors celebrated a victory that propels them into 5th place in the standings, their attacking intent rewarded with three precious points. For River Plate, languishing in 21st position, the defeat represents another setback in what is shaping up to be a challenging campaign. The visitors' inability to convert possession into goals will concern their coaching staff, particularly given the quality at their disposal.
The numbers reflected the tight nature of the contest, with just one corner apiece and both teams creating sporadic opportunities. Yet Argentinos Juniors' superior shot accuracy—five on target from 14 attempts compared to River Plate's one from nine—proved the crucial difference. In matches decided by such fine margins, clinical finishing separates winners from losers, and López's composed strike exemplified that principle perfectly.
Both teams return to action with contrasting moods and fresh challenges awaiting. Argentinos Juniors can build on this platform, their confidence bolstered by a performance that combined defensive resilience with attacking threat. River Plate must regroup quickly, their soul-searching intensifying as they search for the formula to transform possession into points and climb away from the lower reaches of the table.