River’s full-on celebration at home!

El Millonario asserted its game model from the very beginning, cornering Alianza Lima. After making two runs up the field and failing to turn two crosses into goals, River took the lead thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez: No. 9 regained possession when the opposing team was clearing the ball, Enzo Fernandez tapped a pass to Santiago Simon, who in turn made an assist to Alvarez, who scored a low goal. River quickly set the score at 2-0: Emanuel Mammana tapped the ball for Simon to make another assist to Julian, who easily scored.

Alianza Lima threatened River’s goal with a header from Hernan Barcos that was saved by Franco Armani, and a couple more shots on goal, but Gallardo's team was clearly dominating and deserved to go into half time with a wider lead. Fernandez had two scoring chances, Julian had another one, as well as Nicolas De La Cruz. Before the first half ended, Alvarez celebrated his third goal, a great shot from outside the box.

Within two minutes of the second half, River had the chance to score the fourth goal at Enzo Fernandez’s feet: he received the ball in front of the goal and struck a low right-footed shot that smashed against Angelo Campos's right goalpost. Simon also had his chance with a crossed shot that went just wide of the goal; however, he was able to score on the next opportunity, off a series of rebounds.

The whirlwind of goals continued, with River pressing high up the pitch; Julian obstructed the keeper, recovering the ball from him, and set the score at 5-0 with his fourth goal of the evening. But there was more to come: Elias Gomez made a long-range pass and No. 9 lofted a shot over the keeper, netting five goals in the same match. Toward the end, Gomez struck a spectacular left-footed shot, scoring the seventh goal of the evening, and then, Julian set the score at 8-0 with a good maneuver in the box. Pablo Lavandeira scored a penalty kick, reducing the deficit.

With this overwhelming win, el Más Grande qualified for the Round of 16 as the second top team of the group stage, behind Palmeiras, with 16 points. River now has to wait for the draw taking place on Friday to meet its rival for the Round of 16.

Photo gallery

Tags
First Team

Related news

01/09/2025 River wins convincingly and stays on top

29/08/2025 With a brilliant Armani, River advances on penalties

26/08/2025 River let it slip at the end

21/08/2025 River beats Libertad to advance to quarterfinals