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ESChampions Trophy: River wins in Córdoba and will play the final The team managed by Martin Demichelis beat Banfield 3-2 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium and will play against Boca Juniors for the 2020 edition title. Santiago Simón -2- and Miguel Borja were the goal scorers.
In a very dynamic first half, full of goal scoring opportunities for both teams, River quickly took advantage of the momentum. Following some runs up the field and passes to Miguel Borja, Santiago Simón collected a rebound outside of the box and set the score at 1-0, with a low and on-target right-footed shot. Banfield responded with a good shot from Andrés Chávez, but was met with a spectacular save by Franco Armani by his right post.
The evening in Córdoba saw the creation of many goal scoring opportunities. Esequiel Barco struck a shot from outside the box, which went just wide of Facundo Cambeses's left goalpost: Banfield could have evened the score with an off-target header from Ignacio Rodríguez, another shot from Chávez, and a free kick taken by Brahian Aleman. River was the main figure again and had several chances to score at the feet of Salomón Rondón, but the Venezuelan forward lacked precision. Banfield had a clear chance to even the score thanks to Juan Bisanz and Sebastián Sosa Sánchez, but River widened the lead with another goal by Simón, following a set piece.
In the second half, River went all in and, in the span of three minutes, had two scoring chances: first, Simón struck a shot from outside the box; then, following a great play set up by Borja and Rondón, the Colombian player failed to score while facing the goal. Banfield threatened River’s goal with a clear play by Bisanz, whose shot smashed against Armani's left post. On a one on one with the keeper on the left, Chávez struck a crossed shot, reducing the deficit.
After overcoming a few minutes of uncertainty, Nacho Fernández set up Borja, who sent a tremendous right-footed shot over Cambeses and into the net. With this third goal, River was in control again and stayed in the lead until the end, despite Bisanz's goal. Thus, River won in Córdoba and will now go for the title, playing the final against Boca Juniors – date and venue to be confirmed. On Sunday, River will play against Arsenal, at the Mâs Monumental Stadium, for the Professional League.
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