On March 5, 2025, Talleres de Córdoba made history by winning their first national title after defeating River Plate 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Estadio La Nueva Olla in Paraguay. This win marks not just a significant achievement for the team but also highlights their resilience and determination on the international stage.
The match was part of the Supercopa Internacional, which serves as a prestigious confrontation between the champions of significant tournaments from the previous season. River Plate entered the final as the winner of the Trofeo de Campeones, whereas Talleres secured their place after finishing second overall last year.
Leading up to the match, River Plate faced challenges, having just lost their undefeated home record against Estudiantes de La Plata. Despite this setback, they remained competitive, sitting fourth in Zone B of the Torneo Apertura. Talleres, on the other hand, was struggling early in the season, managing only one win from their first seven matches and finding themselves near the bottom of the rankings.
Before the match kicked off, both teams were aware of the stakes involved. Marcelo Gallardo, River's coach, had to make tactical adjustments due to the absence of midfielder Giuliano Galoppo. Facundo Colidio, known for his attacking prowess, was available to bolster the offensive line.
The game itself was tightly contested yet largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities. River Plate's Miguel Borja and Talleres' Federico Girotti exchanged attempts, but neither could find the net. The rarely visible scoreboard might have made it look dull, but the tension was palpable, leading up to the inevitable penalty shootout after 120 minutes of intense play.
Throughout the match, moments of individual talent shone through, such as when River's goalkeeper, Franco Armani, made several key saves to keep his team competitive. Armani’s reflexes proved impressive, stopping long-range efforts from Talleres as the time clock ticked on. At one point, he saved shots from Ulises Ortegoza and Cristian Tarragona, earning praise even as his team struggled to capitalize on their chances.
With the match concluding at 0-0, the teams prepared for penalties, where the intensity skyrocketed. The penalty shootout revealed how quickly momentum can shift. Talleres began with Emanuel Bebelo Reynoso, who shockingly hit the post with his attempt. Yet, Joaquín Mosqueira and Gastón Benavídez straightened their feet, scoring confidently.
River Plate faced significant pressure when it was their turn to shoot. To their shock, Colidio hit the crossbar, denying them the opportunity to secure the title early. The tension mounted as Lanzini stepped up, only to miss as well, pushing the match toward the brink of despair for River fans.
It wasn’t until the fifth and final penalty taken by Benavídez for Talleres sealed the game, hitting the ball firmly past Armani, who had already saved two penalties earlier. With this goal, Talleres emerged victorious with the penalty shootout finishing at 3-2, leaving River Plate players and fans stunned.
The historical significance of the moment cannot be overstated. This triumph marked Talleres' first national title, representing the culmination of their efforts since being established. It is worth noting their past achievements, with only one international title, the Copa Conmebol secured back in 1999. Now, they have added another trophy to their cabinet—a rare feat for any club.
River Plate’s agony deepened post-match as they grappled with the loss of not just the title but also the pressure building from recent performances, potentially affecting their standings within the season. Coach Gallardo expressed disappointment over the missed chances, knowing the pressure to recover and perform well moving forward is greater than ever.
Following this heroic victory, Talleres will next play against Rosario Central, eager to carry their momentum over as they pursue additional successes. Meanwhile, River Plate must regroup for their upcoming match against Atlético Tucumán, determined to turn their fortunes around.
Overall, the Supercopa Internacional created lasting memories, bridging the gap between history and innovation, and enhancing the reputation of both clubs on the international football stage. Fans of Talleres will celebrate this achievement for years to come, witnessing their team rise to new heights and etching their names firmly within the annals of Argentine football.