There was a special kind of electricity in the air at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on October 5, 2025, as Rosario Central welcomed River Plate for a high-stakes clash in Jornada 11 of the Torneo Clausura. With both teams eyeing a crucial spot in Group B’s upper echelon, fans knew they were in for a treat—and the match delivered drama in spades.
Rosario Central, under the steady guidance of Ariel Holan, came into the game riding a wave of confidence. The Canallas were undefeated at home, boasting 15 points (3 wins and 6 draws) and the stingiest defense in the tournament—just 4 goals conceded in 9 matches. Their talisman, Ángel Di María, had already netted five times in the campaign, and his influence was palpable both on and off the pitch.
River Plate, meanwhile, arrived in Rosario with the weight of expectation and recent disappointment. Marcelo Gallardo’s squad sat third with 18 points (5 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses), but the numbers masked a worrying trend: four defeats in their last five outings, including stumbles against Deportivo Riestra and Atlético Tucumán. The Millonarios were desperate to halt their slide and avoid further complications in their championship chase.
The line-ups, announced hours before kick-off, hinted at both sides’ intent. Holan stuck with his tried-and-true 4-2-3-1, emphasizing a blend of defensive solidity and creative freedom for Di María. River, for their part, maintained their attacking 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 hybrid, aiming to leverage their offensive firepower—17 goals scored so far—but also hoping to patch up a leaky backline that had already surrendered nine goals.
The match began at a blistering pace, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Central’s midfield, orchestrated by the trio of Nacho Malcorra, Franco Ibarra, and the ever-dangerous Di María, dictated early proceedings. Di María’s movement between the lines and ability to link play was, as always, a thorn in River’s side.
"I’m happy. I found that position — Nacho started playing a bit deeper, and we created more play with Nacho and Franco in midfield, which gives the team more flow and allows me to be more involved. I’ve found a nice position there; sometimes Gaspar plays, sometimes Enzo plays wide, and I think they help me a lot too. The important thing is to keep going like this," Di María shared after the match, his satisfaction evident. According to his words, the chemistry in Central’s midfield has been a key ingredient in their recent run.
Despite River’s recent struggles, they weren’t about to roll over. The visitors showed flashes of their trademark high press and attacking intent. Giuliano Galoppo, River’s leading scorer with five goals, tried to spark the attack, while Maximiliano Salas—who had netted two of River’s last six—offered mobility up front. However, the absence of Nacho Fernández (suspended) and the possible loss of Paulo Díaz to injury forced Gallardo into tactical adjustments, further complicating River’s approach.
The deadlock was broken in dramatic fashion. Central, feeding off their home crowd’s energy, pressed forward. The breakthrough came through a moment of magic—Di María, finding a pocket of space, orchestrated a move that ended with the ball in the back of the net. The stadium erupted. Central had their noses in front, and their unbeaten home record looked ever more secure.
River responded in kind, showing the resilience expected of a club with their pedigree. Colombian striker Miguel Ángel Borja, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous stretch, latched onto a clever pass from Juan Fernando Quintero and finished with aplomb. The goal not only leveled the score but also saw Borja set a historic record for River Plate, underscoring his importance to the team. Yet, as fate would have it, Borja’s heroics would not be enough to swing the result in River’s favor.
The match’s decisive moment arrived late in the second half. Central’s persistence paid off, and the home side reclaimed the lead, sending the Gigante de Arroyito into delirium. With a 2-1 advantage, Holan’s men dug in, relying on their defensive discipline to repel River’s desperate final advances. The Canallas’ backline, marshaled by Facundo Mallo, remained unyielding, preserving both the victory and their remarkable home record.
After the final whistle, Di María’s emotions were plain for all to see. "I came back for this — for these kinds of games: River, Boca, to play these beautiful matches. Honestly, I’m very happy with how things are going. We’re trying to keep it up," he said, his words resonating with fans who had longed for such nights. Di María’s return to Rosario Central was always about more than just football; it was about legacy, passion, and the love of the game.
Central’s triumph was more than just three points—it was a statement. The victory propelled them into fourth place, leapfrogging River in the standings and solidifying their credentials as genuine contenders. The Canallas’ blend of defensive grit and attacking flair, epitomized by Di María’s leadership, has transformed them into one of the league’s toughest opponents, especially on home turf where they remain unbeaten in seven matches (one win, six draws).
For River, the loss deepened an already troubling crisis. Gallardo’s men, once the gold standard of Argentine football, now find themselves searching for answers. Their defensive vulnerabilities, inconsistent attacking play, and mounting injuries have all contributed to a slide that threatens their title ambitions. The pressure from media and supporters is mounting, and Gallardo will need to find solutions quickly if River is to recover their swagger.
Statistically, the match reflected the teams’ contrasting fortunes. Central’s defense, the best in the league, once again held firm when it mattered most. Their tactical discipline—maintaining possession at 52% and averaging 6.2 corners per game—proved decisive. River, with 54% average possession and 17 goals scored in the campaign, struggled to convert their dominance into a result, hampered by defensive lapses and the absence of key players.
The historical context added extra spice to this encounter. Recent meetings between these sides had been closely contested, with a 2-2 draw in March serving as a reminder of their parity. Yet, this time, Central’s momentum and River’s struggles tipped the balance.
Looking ahead, Rosario Central’s fans can dare to dream. With Di María in vintage form, a defense that refuses to yield, and a tactical plan that maximizes their strengths, the Canallas are poised to make a serious run in the Clausura. As for River, the road ahead looks challenging. Gallardo and his squad must regroup, address their defensive issues, and rediscover the winning mentality that once made them feared across Argentina.
As the dust settles on a memorable night in Rosario, one thing is clear: the Torneo Clausura’s Group B race just got a whole lot more interesting. Central’s victory not only reshuffles the standings but also sends a message to the rest of the league—at the Gigante de Arroyito, the Canallas are a force to be reckoned with.
