Match Centre

River Plate's 2-1 victory was deserved given their 75% possession and 18 total shots (5 on target) compared to Atletico Tucuman's 6 (1 on target), but they lacked ruthlessness in converting their dominance. The hosts' early red card for Franco Nicola in the 13th minute set the tone, allowing River Plate to control 85% of first-half possession and take the lead via Tobías Andrada (22'). Yet their 0.64 goals underperformance against xG (2 versus estimated 2.64) nearly proved costly when Clever Ferreira (83') punished their wastefulness.

Tactically, River Plate's wide overloads created 11 shots from outside the box, but only 3 found the target - a recurring issue as 7 of their 18 shots were blocked. Atletico Tucuman's defensive resilience (14 clearances, 5 blocks) kept them in contention despite having just 25% possession and a second red card (Julio Falcioni, 76'). Thiago Almada's 91st-minute winner, assisted by Lucas Beltran, ultimately decided a match where River Plate's 5.11 expected goals (xG) advantage in open play told the decisive story.