Analysis The numbers behind the result
River Plate clinical in low-chance game despite possession deficit
River Plate's 2-0 victory was deserved based on xG (1.58 vs 0.70), despite Argentinos JRS dominating possession (58% to 42%). The hosts were more efficient, converting their only two big chances: Gonzalo Montiel's 37th-minute opener from open play and Ángel Correa's 89th-minute penalty. Argentinos JRS managed just one shot on target from nine attempts, with six coming from outside the box – reflected in their lower xG.
River Plate's defensive solidity limited Argentinos JRS to 0.70 xG despite facing more total shots (9 vs 8), with only three coming inside the box. The visitors' higher pass accuracy (83% vs 80%) didn't translate into clear chances, while River Plate's 42% possession yielded seven shots inside the box – four more than Argentinos JRS. The decisive stat was shot quality: River Plate's 1.58 xG from just 3 shots on target shows superior chance conversion.