Rosario Central Pulls Off Stunning Upset Against River Plate in Liga Profesional Argentina

In a thrilling matchup at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario Central secured a 2-1 victory over River Plate, sending shockwaves through the Liga Profesional Argentina. The win was marked by tenacious performances from Rosario Central's forwards and a dramatic turn of events that left River Plate reeling.
The match began with River Plate asserting their dominance as they took the lead in the 10th minute. Miguel Borja netted the opening goal, assisted by Juan Fernando Quintero. However, Rosario Central's resilience was evident as they quickly leveled the score. At the 21-minute mark, Francisco Ibarra found the back of the net, bringing the teams to parity.
The first half was marred by a series of yellow cards, with River Plate players L. Rivero, G. Montiel, M. Acuna, and J. Portillo all receiving cautions. For Rosario Central, E. Coronel and F. Mallo Blanco were booked. The most significant disciplinary action came in the 39th minute when J. Portillo received a direct red card, leaving River Plate to play a man down for the remainder of the match.
The second half saw Rosario Central capitalize on their advantage. In the 59th minute, Ignacio Malcorra scored the decisive goal, securing the lead for Rosario Central. Despite being down a player, River Plate continued to push forward, but their efforts were thwarted by Rosario Central's defensive solidity.
Throughout the match, both teams had opportunities to alter the scoreboard. A notable moment came in the 29th minute when Miguel Borja had a goal disallowed for offside, denying River Plate a potential 2-0 lead.
The substitutions made by both teams were strategic, with River Plate introducing fresh legs in an attempt to regain parity. However, Rosario Central's adjustments also paid dividends, allowing them to maintain their lead.
The victory marks a significant upset in the Liga Profesional Argentina, as Rosario Central managed to outmaneuver River Plate despite the latter's early dominance. The match highlights the competitive nature of the league, where underdogs can often cause significant upsets.
In the broader context, this result may have implications for the league standings, potentially reshuffling the positions of these powerhouse teams. For now, Rosario Central will bask in the glory of their win, while River Plate must regroup and reassess their strategy ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Match Statistics:
- Goals:
- River Plate: Miguel Borja (10')
- Rosario Central: Francisco Ibarra (21'), Ignacio Malcorra (59')
- Yellow Cards:
- River Plate: L. Rivero (13'), G. Montiel (26'), J. Portillo (34', 39'), M. Acuna (38'), F. Armani (39'), Miguel Borja (77'), K. Castano (74')
- Rosario Central: E. Coronel (16'), F. Mallo Blanco (50')
- Red Cards:
- River Plate: J. Portillo (39')
- Substitutions:
- River Plate: M. Acuna (46'), J. Quintero (68'), Giuliano Galoppo (68'), F. Colidio (80')
- Rosario Central: E. Coronel (46'), G. Duarte (56'), I. Malcorra (86'), J. Campaz (90')
- Other Events:
- Miguel Borja (River Plate) - Goal Disallowed (29') for offside
As the Liga Profesional Argentina continues to unfold, this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines Argentine football. Rosario Central's victory will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most notable upsets of the season.