River Beats Huracán 2-1 in Coudet’s Debut: Controversial Penalties & Victory
Buenos Aires, Argentina – River Plate secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Huracán at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó on , marking the debut of Eduardo Coudet as the team’s manager. The match, a tightly contested affair punctuated by several controversial refereeing decisions, saw Sebastián Driussi and Gonzalo Montiel score for River, although Jordy Caicedo converted a penalty for Huracán.
The first half saw River controlling possession and attempting to stretch the field with their fullbacks. This dominance translated into the opening goal: Montiel delivered a precise cross from the right, and Driussi headed it in. Huracán responded with direct attacks and earned a penalty late in the half when Lucas Martínez Quarta was adjudged to have committed a minimal foul on Caicedo. Caicedo converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half maintained a high tempo with chances at both ends. River had an opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot after a foul on Ian Subiabre, but Hernán Galíndez saved Juan Fernando Quintero’s attempt. Shortly after, another controversial moment arose when a handball by Emmanuel Ojeda in the wall during a Quintero free kick led to a second penalty for River. A scuffle between Lucas Carrizo and Facundo Colidio during the VAR review resulted in both players being sent off. Montiel then stepped up and converted the penalty, putting River ahead 2-1.
In the closing stages, Huracán pushed for an equalizer while River defended their advantage. The final chance fell to Lucas Blondel, who had just returned from a lengthy absence, but his shot sailed over the crossbar, sealing the victory for River.
Key Moments and Post-Match Reactions
Gonzalo Montiel highlighted the positive shift in energy with the arrival of the new manager. “We are happy with the win because we needed to win,” he stated. Regarding the penalty that Quintero initially took, he explained, “We are the two designated takers and decide it on the field. I have full confidence in Juanfer and that’s why I let him take it.” He also praised Coudet’s impact, saying, “Today you could see a bit of what the coach is asking for. We controlled the game, had chances. You saw a different River and we have to continue on this path.”
The mood at Huracán was one of frustration. Lucas Blondel expressed his disappointment with the result and the missed opportunity in the final moments. “I can’t hide my frustration. The game slipped away from us because of a penalty. We had created chances. I’m angry. After so long, I returned to play and I miss that,” he said. He also described the match as “a strange game, with many controversies” and felt his team didn’t deserve to lose.
Quintero also spoke about Coudet’s influence on the team. “Chacho has been working with us for a week. He lives it like that, with euphoria, and we’re getting used to it. He’s an intense coach and we’re working very hard,” he explained. He also emphasized his good relationship with Montiel regarding the penalty takers, stating, “I trust my brother Montiel, we are the two designated to take them.” The midfielder also confirmed his recovery from a recent injury.
Coudet’s debut victory marks a new chapter for River Plate. Despite the controversial decisions, the team displayed glimpses of the style Coudet intends to implement, securing a vital three points to kickstart his tenure.
River secured the 2-1 win at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó. In the final play, Lucas Blondel had a chance to equalize for Huracán, but his shot went over the crossbar from the penalty spot. Coudet’s team held on for an important victory in Parque Patricios.
A penalty was not awarded to Huracán after Paulo Díaz appeared to push a Huracán player inside the area. Nicolás Ramírez dismissed the claim and cautioned Bizans and Giménez for protesting. The score remained 2-1 in favor of River.
Hernán Galíndez made a crucial save, denying Freitas a goal in a one-on-one situation. The goalkeeper quickly closed the angle and secured the ball, maintaining River’s one-goal lead.
Nine minutes of added time were announced at the Ducó following the second-half stoppages, including the VAR review and the incidents that led to two red cards. Huracán continued to search for an equalizer while River aimed to protect their advantage.
Coudet made substitutions to solidify the lead, bringing on Paulo Díaz and Matías Viña in place of Marcos Acuña, who was on a yellow card, and Kendry Páez.
Gonzalo Montiel converted the penalty to give River a 2-1 lead at the Ducó. The right-back executed the penalty with confidence, putting River ahead under Coudet.
Nicolás Ramírez awarded River another penalty after reviewing a handball by Ojeda in the wall following a free kick taken by Juan Fernando Quintero. During the review, a confrontation between Carrizo and Facundo Colidio resulted in both players being sent off, and the goalkeeper substitute Sebastián Meza was cautioned. The penalty was then awarded to the visitors.
Juan Fernando Quintero’s penalty was saved spectacularly by Hernán Galíndez, keeping the score level at 1-1 at the Ducó. The Colombian aimed for placement, but the Ecuadorian goalkeeper made a remarkable save.
Coudet made changes to pursue a goal, bringing on Facundo Colidio and Juan Fernando Quintero for Tomás Galván and Ian Subiabre. The number 10 entered the field to take the penalty.
River was awarded a penalty after a foul on Ian Subiabre. Pereyra made contact as the forward attempted to dribble inside the area.
Tomás Galván attempted a shot from outside the box, but Hernán Galíndez made a good save, deflecting the ball for a corner.
River came close again. Ian Subiabre sent a cross into the area, Freitas missed the header, and Gonzalo Montiel was hit by the rebound. The ball went close to Galíndez’s goal.
Ian Subiabre found himself free in the center of the area and had a clear chance for River, but his shot went straight to Hernán Galíndez. In the following play, Huracán responded with Caicedo having a chance, well contained by Santiago Beltrán, and Ibáñez heading wide.
The second half began with a fast pace at the Ducó. With the introduction of Freitas, Huracán gained a stronger presence in attack, and both teams sought the goal that would break the tie.
Huracán and River are now playing the second half at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó. The score is tied 1-1 after goals from Sebastián Driussi for the visitors and Jordy Caicedo from a penalty for the home side.
Huracán and River are tied 1-1 at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó. Sebastián Driussi opened the scoring with a header from a Gonzalo Montiel cross, but Jordy Caicedo equalized before halftime with a penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Martínez Quarta. River had more control of the ball, while the home side capitalized on quick attacks.
Caicedo equalized from the penalty spot after a foul by Lucas Martínez Quarta inside the area. Santiago Beltrán guessed the direction of the shot and dove to his right, but couldn’t prevent the 1-1 tie at the Ducó. Three minutes of added time will be played.
Nicolás Ramírez awarded a penalty to Huracán after a foul by Lucas Martínez Quarta on Caicedo inside the area. Huracán has a chance to equalize the game at the Ducó. Coudet protested the call.
The River manager was very active from the start of the match. Eduardo Coudet shouted and gestured from the bench to direct his players and mark movements on the field.
The home side generated the first situation of the match after a good sequence of passes. Caicedo shot inside the area, but Santiago Beltrán responded with a save and prevented the opening goal.
River is trying to build up play from the back with precision at the start of the match. Huracán is waiting further back and looking to exploit spaces for counterattacks.
The fans of Huracán are upset with some of the referee Nicolás Ramírez’s decisions and strong protests are coming from the stands, despite the reduced capacity of the stadium.
River’s starting XI: Santiago Beltrán; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuña; Aníbal Moreno, Fausto Vera, Tomás Galván; Kendry Páez; Ian Subiabre, Sebastián Driussi.
Huracán’s starting XI: Hernán Galíndez; Ignacio Campo, Fabio Pereyra, Lucas Carrizo, Cesar Ibáñez; Emmanuel Ojeda, Leonardo Gil; Thaiel Peralta, Óscar Romero, Alejandro Martínez; Jordy Caicedo.