On the night of March 5, 2025, Talleres de Córdoba etched their name in football history by triumphing over River Plate to clinch their first national title at the Supercopa Internacional, hosted at the La Nueva Olla stadium in Paraguay. After 90 minutes of intense competition, the match ended in a stalemate, 0-0, pushing the contest to penalties, where Talleres displayed remarkable resilience and skill.
The stakes were high as both teams fought for glory, but after two halves and extra time, neither managed to find the back of the net. Throughout regular time, both squads created numerous opportunities but were thwarted by well-organized defenses and outstanding goalkeeping, particularly from River’s Franco Armani, who had two spectacular saves during the shootout.
The penalty shootout brought its own drama with both teams trading blows. Talleres emerged victorious, winning 3-2. The spotlight shined on goalkeeper Guido Herrera, who turned the tide with two pivotal saves and kept his team’s hopes alive against River Plate's seasoned players. “It’s been many years. A heavy backpack of lost finals,” Herrera expressed after the match, referring to the weight of past disappointments. “Today, all of Córdoba is happy.”
The turning point came when Gastón Benavídez scored the decisive penalty shot, unleashing waves of joy among the Talleres supporters. “This is the victory we’ve long awaited,” he stated, his voice echoing the relief and excitement found within the hearts of the players and fans alike.
For River Plate, this final proved to be yet another disappointment. Under the management of Marcelo Gallardo, the team has faced considerable challenges, particularly evident through their lackluster performance since the onset of the 2025 season. River managed only seven goals through their first nine matches, continuing their streak of poor form, and this final loss marked their seventh consecutive defeat during penalty shootouts, calling the team’s resilience and strategy under question.
River had entered this match with ambitions for glory, having secured their position by winning the 2023 Trofeo de Campeones against Rosario Central. Yet concerns simmered as they faced Talleres, whose recent form was also under scrutiny. While Talleres had fired blanks this season, their historic victory at the Supercopa Internacional gave them much-needed momentum and morale after years of struggles.
The final, viewed by fledgling football enthusiasts and lifelong fans alike on platforms like DSports and Disney+, kicked off at 20:00 local time amid suffocative temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Players on both sides battled not just their opponents, but also the grueling heat, which made even the simplest of plays feel laborious.
Despite exerting pressure throughout the game, neither team managed to convert any opportunities, leading to mild frustration among fans who packed the stadium. “It was not the final both teams wanted, but it was certainly intense,” remarked a commentator post-match.
This victory stands as Talleres' first major trophy since their Copa Conmebol win back in 1999, making the stakes even greater for the players who trod the turf of La Nueva Olla, determined to rectify years of heartache with this trophy. “Finally, after 26 years, we lift this trophy!” exclaimed one ecstatic Talleres supporter.
The final blows of the penalty shootout showcased not only the individual talents of goalkeepers but also revealed the psychological pressure inherent in these high-stakes scenarios. “Winning the shootout was exhilarating, but it also shows how mental fortitude is just as important as physical,” Benavídez reflected post-game.
This match surfaced numerous talking points and questions, particularly for River Plate. Analysts debated whether they are entering a transitional phase after several star players showcased declining performances. Their positioning in the league and lack of titles since Gallardo's return raises concerns about whether the club could revert to its former glory or should embrace changes to reinvigorate their squad.
On the contrary, Talleres’ victory scattered doubts about their capability on the pitch. Coach Alexander Medina emphasized the importance of unity. “We worked hard for this, and this win is for every supporter who’s believed,” he stated proudly.
Overall, March 5, 2025, will forever resonate as the night Talleres de Córdoba overcame River Plate, not only for the trophy but to cage the dawn of newfound hope and glory for their supporters. All through Argentina, fans celebrated well beyond the stadium, with fireworks illuminating the sky over Córdoba.
The Supercopa Internacional might just mark the revival of Talleres after years of setting ambitious goals, now realized. The weight of despair was lifted, and with it, dreams rekindled for many who had looked upon the club's rich history.