River Plate Draws 2-2 with Independiente del Valle in Copa Libertadores

Quito, Ecuador — River Plate managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle during their Copa Libertadores Group B match on April 24, 2025. The Argentine club fell behind early, only to equalize with two goals in a six-minute span in the second half.

Independiente del Valle took control of the match, with Claudio Spinelli scoring both goals in the first half. His first goal came at the 24-minute mark, following a cross from Renato Ibarra. Just six minutes later, Spinelli struck again, getting ahead of River’s defenders to find the net for a 2-0 lead.

River Plate arrived in Ecuador on April 22, hoping to acclimate to the high altitude before the match. However, they struggled in the first half against the local club, which was managed by Spanish coach Javier Rabanal. River’s supporters feared the worst as they went into halftime down by two goals.

After the break, River Plate’s coach Marcelo Gallardo made substitutions, bringing in Giuliano Galoppo and Manuel Lanzini. This change sparked a revival in River’s performance. Galoppo scored in the 68th minute, taking advantage of a rebound from goalkeeper Guido Villar. Just six minutes later, Sebastián Driussi found the equalizer after Ignacio Fernández‘s shot hit the crossbar and fell perfectly for him to score in an empty net.

The dramatic equalizing goal led to a lengthy VAR review due to questions about Driussi’s position. Ultimately, the referee confirmed the goal, allowing River’s supporters in the stadium to celebrate.

River Plate now leads Group B with five points, one point ahead of Independiente del Valle, who is currently in second place. The team now turns its focus to the highly anticipated superclásico against Boca Juniors, scheduled for April 27, 2025.