Argentine football giant River Plate punched its pass to the 2025 Copa Libertadores knockout stage by thrashing Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle 6-2 on Thursday. The results sees El Millonario top Group B with 11 points, four ahead of second placed Universitario Deportes from Peru, with just one game left.

The first half proved a tricky affair for Marcelo Gallardo’s team. They went ahead just seven minutes when Sebastián Driussi tapped in the first goal of the night after Lucas Martínez Quarta headed the ball down from a corner. But just four minutes later, a quick Independiente counter saw Argentine striker Michael Hoyos make it 1-1.

The match continued to be a back-and-forth affair as both teams scored in quick succession to leave things tied at 2-2. River managed to break the tide and took the lead for good in the 48th minute of added time. Defender Mateo Carabajal grabbed Franco Mastantuono inside the box as the 17-year-old forward was clear on goal. The referee sent the defender off and gave a penalty that Mastantuono scored to make it  3-2.

The red card set the tone for the second half, as River quickly made that advantage count. Midfielder Maximiliano Meza took a shot from outside the box at the 50 minute mark that deflected off an Independiente defender and went into the back of the net. 

Colombian striker Miguel Borja had two goals disallowed by VAR due to handballs but finally was able to celebrate in the 87th minute to make it 5-2 for River. The cherry on top came in minute  94 when  forward Manuel Lanzini took the ball outside the box and blasted a shot to wrap up the final result.

Gallardo didn’t hold back from praising his team in the press conference, arguing that “ it’s never easy to score six goals and even less so in the Libertadores.” He highlighted the players who scored coming from the bench, namely Meza, Borja and Lanzini.

“It makes us a better team,” he said. “It’s not easy to keep working and giving it their all every game. I’m happy that players who aren’t regular starters or haven’t been getting minutes are ready to give us solutions.”

Argentine teams in the Copa Libertadores next round

River won’t be the sole Argentine representative in the round of 16. Two other teams have already secured a spot, and two others could potentially join them, to make five local squads in the next round. 

Liga Profesional 2024 champions Vélez Sarsfield sealed their ticket on Wednesday, beating Bolivia’s San Antonio Bulo Bulo 3-0 at home. The Fortín isn’t assured the Group H top spot, as they have to travel to Uruguay to face Peñarol, who are tied with them with 10 points, on May 29.

The same can be said for 2024 Copa Sudamericana winners Racing Club, who put four past Chilean giants Colo Colo but still have to beat Brazil’s Fortaleza on May 29 to secure first place in Group E.

Copa Libertadores surprise team Central Córdoba (SDE) is leading Group C and need only a tie against LDU Quito on May 28 to seal their spot at the top. A defeat, however, could see them eliminated.

Estudiantes trails leaders Universidad de Chile by just one point in Group A, but are tied with Brazil’s Botafogo on points. The Pincha will host bottom-placed Carabobo FC from Venezuela on May 27 to secure their ticket, and potentially top spot if the other game ends in a draw.

Talleres (C), the only Argentine team eliminated from the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, needs to beat Brazilian giants Sao Paulo on May 27 to seal a spot in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs.

The Copa Libertadores round of 16 games are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 12, with the second leg to be played on Tuesday, August 19. At the time of writing, the draw is set to take place on June 4.