River Plate claimed a thrilling 3-1 victory over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup at Seattle's Lumen Field. The match delivered nonstop action and showcased standout performances throughout.
Facundo Colidio opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a brilliant header off a precise cross from Marcos Acuña. The momentum surged in the second half when Sebastian Driussi doubled the lead just 3 minutes in. However, the celebration was bittersweet as Driussi collided with Urawa's goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa, injuring his ankle and forcing him off the pitch—an incident marked by intense energy ⚽. Miguel Borja then came on as his replacement.
Urawa attempted to claw back into the game, with Yusuke Matsuo converting a penalty in the 58th minute. But River Plate held firm, with Maximiliano Meza restoring the two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute following a perfect corner from Acuña. Veteran goalkeeper Franco Armani made a crucial save in the 90th minute, preserving the win.
Coach Marcelo Gallardo confirmed post-match that Driussi will undergo testing on his ankle. The match also saw a few disciplinary moments—with yellow cards issued to Acuña and German Pezzella amid the on-field tussles—highlighting the fierce competitiveness of the contest.
This epic showdown, unfolding before nearly 12,000 fans in a vast stadium typically home to NFL and MLS action, resonated with both longtime football enthusiasts and young, digitally savvy fans. It was a celebration of teamwork, skill, and the unpredictable twists that make football so captivating. Stay tuned as River Plate continues to light up the international stage!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
