River Plate drew 1-1 with Independiente Rivadavia in the eighth round of the 2026 Apertura Tournament, marking their first match after Marcelo Gallardo's departure. Gonzalo Ríos scored first for the hosts, with Gonzalo Montiel equalizing with a header for the Millonario. The game took place at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium under interim coach Marcelo Escudero.
The match between River Plate and Independiente Rivadavia, played on March 2, 2026, in Mendoza, ended in a 1-1 draw that highlighted the transition period for the Núñez team. It was the official debut without Marcelo Gallardo as coach, who recently left the club, with Marcelo Escudero stepping in as interim manager. Eduardo Coudet, the new coach, will join in the coming days after a compensation agreement with Spain's Alavés.
Gonzalo Ríos opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the first half with a volley shot after a corner kick rebound. River equalized at the 37th minute via Gonzalo Montiel's header from a lofted cross. The second half was low-intensity, with few clear chances and no changes to the scoreline.
Two notable controversies arose: at the 16th minute of the second half, Sebastián Driussi claimed a penalty for a handball by Sheyko Studer in the box, but referee Facundo Tello did not award it. Additionally, Ian Subiabre received a yellow card for a hard foul that nearly led to his ejection. River goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán was the standout with several key saves.
Escudero revealed the emotional impact on the squad from Gallardo's departure, praising the players' gesture before the trip to Mendoza. Germán Pezzella clarified that the exit was '100% sporting' and expressed frustration over rumors of internal conflicts. Sebastián Villa, Independiente Rivadavia's forward and former Boca Juniors player, featured in the match and commented afterward amid rumors of a potential return to Boca.
River has 11 points and sits fifth in Zone B, while Independiente Rivadavia leads with 17. The Millonario's next opponent is Huracán.
