River Plate defeated Barracas Central 1-0, despite a controversy in the first half, and kicked off the 2026 Apertura Tournament with a crucial victory on the opening matchday.
The only goal came from defender Gonzalo Montiel in the 14th minute of the second half. In addition to starting the new tournament with a win, River extended a curious streak against Barracas, having won seven of the eight matches they have played since the "Guapo"'s promotion.
In the early minutes, River was far superior to its rival and kept them confined to their own half of the field. The team could have even taken the lead thanks to Fausto Vera, but a blatant handball by Gastón Campi, almost on the goal line, prevented Marcelo Gallardo's side from going ahead.
After the controversy, River maintained its level and high pressure but gradually began to give the ball to Barracas and became imprecise in building plays, allowing the home team to stay closer to the goal defended by Santiago Beltrán.
Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero had two very clear chances from mid-range to open the scoring, but one was excellently saved by goalkeeper Marcelo Miño as it was heading into the corner, and the other went just past the post.
In the second half, River maintained its authority in control and finally managed to break the deadlock at Barracas' stadium. A phenomenal cross from Juanfer Quintero in the 14th minute gave Montiel the chance to powerfully head the ball in with his forehead for River's 1-0 goal.
Towards the end, River persisted with the siege, even with the lead, but became uncomfortable and lost its nerves, failing to close out the match calmly.
