Independiente Rivadavia, the defending Copa Argentina champions, began their title defense with a 2-0 win over Estudiantes de Caseros in the round of 32. Goals came from Alex Arce and Gonzalo Ríos at the Estadio Único La Pedrera in Villa Mercedes.
Independiente Rivadavia displayed superiority in their Copa Argentina 2026 debut, beating Estudiantes de Caseros 2-0 in the round of 32. The match took place on January 18 at the Estadio Único La Pedrera in Villa Mercedes, San Luis, where the Mendoza team served as the home side.
The opener came at the 22nd minute of the first half, as Alex Arce headed into the top corner from a Matías Fernández cross, flicked on by Sheyko Studer. After the goal, Independiente Rivadavia controlled play with 51% possession and created several opportunities, though Estudiantes leveled the tempo briefly with non-threatening forays.
In the second half, at the 26th minute, Gonzalo Ríos made it 2-0 with a diagonal shot following a cut-back from Juan Manuel Elordi, set up by Tomás Botari and Fernández. Final stats showed 9-12 shots on target favoring Estudiantes, but fouls 9-14 and yellow cards 3-1 against Independiente Rivadavia.
No red cards were issued. Substitutions featured changes like Alejo Osella for Ezequiel Bonifacio in Independiente Rivadavia and several for Estudiantes, such as Enzo Acosta for Alejandro Melo.
As 2025 champions, this win bolsters their positive record against Estudiantes, including a 1-0 victory in April 2025. They advance to face the winner of Tigre vs. Claypole. Their next league fixture is Friday against Atlético Tucumán at the Bautista Gargantini stadium.
The game aired on TyC Sports from 7:00 PM Argentina time.
