River Plate beaten
The Argentina Primera Division returned with a bang and much drama as River Plate fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Colon, despite having an extra man for 76 minutes.
¡SANTA FE ESTÁ FELIZ!
Ganó el campeón ❤🖤👏🏻
River 1 (Suárez) – Colón 2 (Aliendro y Góez).#ElClubDelPueblo ⭐🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/6eCbsZXPxh— Club Atlético Colón ⭐ (@ColonOficial) July 18, 2021
The match
Rodrigo Aliendro put Colon ahead after just three minutes with a smart finish into the far corner after he beat the offside trap and held off a defender.
However, things turned sour for the visitors in the 14th minute when Gonzalo Piovi was sent off for scything down Jorge Carrascal as the last defender.
It looked like the hosts were going to seize the initiative but apart from a José Paradela header that was tipped onto the post, River Plate were unable to create enough clear-cut opportunities.
Then, in the 34th minute, they were hit with a sucker-punch. A stunning turn from Yéiler Góez bought him some space; he then played a through-ball to Facundo Farías, who pulled it back for Góez to tap in.
It was an outstanding goal, a move of high-quality.
The second half was unsurprisingly mostly played in Colon’s half but chances still came at a premium for Marcelo Gallardo’s side, despite having 75% of the ball.
Jonatan Maidana was prevented a goal when his goalbound header was turned behind by defender Facundo Garcés.
Ignacio Chicco was exemplary, making some crucial interventions and saves in goal.
River Plate got a goal back in stoppage time through Matias Suarez but they were unable to prevent a defeat on the opening weekend of the season.
Boca held
Fernando Marquez’s header in the final 10 minutes gave Union a well-earned point against champions Boca Juniors.
A smart turn and finish from Agustin Obando put Boca ahead after 10 minutes but it was a below-par Boca appearance with the focus firmly on the Copa Libertadores game in midweek, which Boca lost in controversial circumstances.
Boca had just five shots and they were made to pay for their sluggishness as an unmarked Marquez headed in from close range in the 81st minute.
Pick of the other matches
In the game of the weekend, Newell’s Old Boys came back from 2-0 down to beat Talleres Cordoba 3-2.
HT: Newell’s 0-2 Talleres
62’: Compagnucci ⚽️
76’: Fernando Garro ⚽️
79’: Cristaldo ⚽️@NewellsEnglish come back from behind to take the lead 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1GwkidLg7d— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 17, 2021
Elsewhere, Estudiantes blitzed Sarmiento with three goals in seven minutes as they ran out 3-0 winners.
