River Plate's Reserve team kicked off their Torneo Proyección Clausura campaign with a tense yet thrilling 2-0 victory over Platense on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the River Camp in Ezeiza. Under the guidance of coach Marcelo Escudero, the Millonario showcased dominance throughout the match but had to wait until the dying minutes to break the deadlock and secure their first three points of the tournament.
The match began with River clearly in control, creating multiple scoring opportunities but unable to convert them into goals. Despite their offensive pressure, the first half ended goalless, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The home side maintained their attacking momentum in the second half, continuing to press Platense’s defense, but the elusive breakthrough remained out of reach for much of the match.
It wasn’t until the 85th minute that River finally found the opener after a chaotic scramble in the Platense penalty area. This crucial goal sparked a swift follow-up, with Jonás Luna firing in the second goal shortly after, igniting celebrations among the home crowd. Bautista Dadín then sealed the emphatic win, cementing a late flourish that rewarded River’s persistent efforts.
Marcelo Escudero’s squad featured a lineup blending experience and fresh talent. Key players included goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who returned to action after recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. The defensive line featured Enzo Rubio, Ulises Giménez, Felipe Álvarez, and Lisandro Bajú, while the midfield was marshalled by Agustín De la Cuesta, Agustín Obregón, Leonel Jaime, and Thiago Acosta. Upfront, Joaquín Flores and Bautista Dadín led the attack, with Dadín’s presence particularly noteworthy given his recent involvement with the senior team.
This season, River’s Reserve squad faces a reshaped roster compared to the Apertura tournament. Several key players such as Santiago Lencina, Giorgio Costantini, and Juan Cruz Meza have been promoted to Marcelo Gallardo’s first team, making their mark in recent senior matches. Despite Dadín also being part of the senior setup—himself a prolific scorer with seven goals and one assist in 15 appearances—he was strategically deployed in the Reserve side to maintain competitive rhythm and readiness for future first-team demands.
The absence of Joaquín Freitas due to injury was felt, but the squad welcomed promising newcomers like Dylan Martínez, a goalkeeper from the U17 squad coached by Diego Placente, defender Brian Gutiérrez, and midfielder Agustín Juárez. Meanwhile, new reinforcement Alex Woiski continues training with the professional squad, with a decision pending on his integration into Reserve team minutes.
River’s Reserve team had a challenging first semester, exiting the Torneo Proyección Apertura in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to San Lorenzo, who went on to finish as runners-up. This fresh start in the Clausura tournament represents a significant opportunity for Escudero’s side to build momentum and aim for the championship, with the squad already regarded as one of the favorites.
Looking ahead, River will travel to face Instituto in their next fixture, testing their resilience on the road. Following that, they will return home to host San Lorenzo in the third round, setting the stage for an intense clash against a familiar rival. These upcoming matches will be crucial in defining River’s trajectory in the Torneo Proyección Clausura.
Escudero’s tactical approach emphasized patient buildup and sustained pressure, reflecting the team’s confidence despite the early-season roster changes. The late goals against Platense underscore the team’s determination and ability to capitalize on critical moments, traits that will be vital as the competition unfolds.
In summary, River Plate’s Reserve team demonstrated grit and quality in their opening match, overcoming initial struggles to secure a vital win. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, the Millonario are poised to challenge strongly in the Torneo Proyección Clausura, building on their rich tradition of nurturing future stars for Argentine football.
