River Plate started 2026 with a 1-0 victory over Millonarios at Montevideo's Gran Parque Central, in the Serie Río de la Plata. The goal came from a penalty converted by Gonzalo Montiel, in a match that allowed debuts for reinforcements and juveniles under Marcelo Gallardo's guidance. Young goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán shone in goal amid Franco Armani's injury.
River Plate kicked off its 2026 season with a 1-0 win against Millonarios at Montevideo's Gran Parque Central stadium in Uruguay, as part of the Serie Río de la Plata. Marcelo Gallardo's team prevailed in this preseason friendly thanks to a precisely taken penalty by Gonzalo Montiel, which opened the scoring and secured a positive result for the Millonarios.
The match provided playing time and a chance to assess the team's early dynamics. With Franco Armani injured and Jeremías Ledesma having left, Gallardo chose young Santiago Beltrán as the starting goalkeeper. The juvenile handled his interventions with composure, exuding confidence between the posts.
Several reinforcements made their debuts: Fausto Vera started in midfield and played the full 90 minutes, while Matías Viña came on in the second half and created the play leading to the penalty. In defense, 19-year-old Facundo González filled in at left back for the unavailable Marcos Acuña and debuted for River.
Juveniles Tomás Galván and Agustín Ruberto also impressed positively. Galván showed promise, and Ruberto, though he missed a penalty saved by opposing goalkeeper Novoa, contributed to the attack.
Millonarios, meanwhile, did not field Radamel Falcao García. The Colombian side now prepares to face Boca Juniors at La Bombonera on Wednesday.
River will continue its buildup next Saturday at the Campus de Maldonado, taking on Peñarol in the final official preseason friendly before the Apertura Tournament. This opening game offered encouraging signs for the Millonario in its preseason preparations.
