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ESRiver secures first place with strong performance
On a goal-filled Copa night at the Mâs Monumental, Marcelo Gallardo’s side crushed Independiente del Valle 6-2 and secured first place in the group with a match to spare.
Early on, River took the lead with a delicate finish by Sebastián Driussi; however, Independiente del Valle responded quickly, equalizing through Michael Hoyos before Claudio Spinelli headed the visitors in front. River equalized after a brilliant move by Franco Mastantuono and a pinpoint cross from Fabricio Bustos, which Luis Zárate turned into his own net.
Just before the end of the first half, Mastantuono burst past his marker, rounded the goalkeeper, and was brought down in the box by Mateo Carabajal — penalty and straight red for the Ecuadorian captain. The young player confidently took charge and put the team ahead 3-2. A few minutes into the second half, the freshly subbed Maxi Meza scored the fourth to seal the game.
Late on, Miguel Borja and Manuel Lanzini both netted classy goals to round off a 6-2 victory, securing first place with 11 points — three wins and two draws — a game before the group stage finishes. Up next, River will host Platense on Tuesday for the quarterfinals of the Torneo Apertura.
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