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ESLast-minute win propels River into semifinals
Martín Demichelis’ team was superior to Belgrano in Córdoba: River pursued victory until the final whistle and won with a 2-1 score line, courtesy of goals from Salomón Rondón and Facundo Colidio.
River stepped onto the field with a clear intention to dominate in Córdoba. While the team initially struggled to pose a threat to the opposing goal, opportunities arose with Santiago Simón and Enzo Díaz advancing on the wings. Moreover, Esequiel Barco had a crucial role in the attack, forming a strong partnership with Nicolás De La Cruz and Nacho Fernández in the rival's half.
Meanwhile, Belgrano sought to pose a threat with a series of rapid counterattacks: Lucas Passerini couldn't find Franco Jara in the first attempt, and in the second one, Esteban Rolón couldn't make solid contact on a pass from Jara. River had its chances with a good cross from Simón that was cleared by Nahuel Losada and a shot from Barco at the near post, also saved by the rival keeper.
Just seconds into the second half, Salomón Rondón tapped the ball over to De La Cruz, but the Uruguayan's low finish was met with an excellent response from Losada. Belgrano had a golden counter-attacking opportunity, but Paulo Díaz narrowly saved the day with an outstanding interception. Just past the 60-minute mark, Rondón won the header following a cross from Enzo Díaz and set the score at 1-0.
River had the chance to score the second goal with a spectacular play by De La Cruz inside the box, but Losada reacted well to prevent him from scoring. In another clear opportunity, following a free kick from De La Cruz, Ramiro Funes Mori rose and won the header, but couldn't steer it on goal. Ten minutes from the end, Passerini leveled the score at 1-1 with a powerful header.
However, in the last play of the match, Facundo Colidio finished off a great team move: off a pass from Enzo Díaz, player No. 16 tapped a low left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of Losada’s goal, securing the win over Belgrano and River's spot in the semifinal of the Professional League Cup, where the team will face Rosario Central.
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