River Plate Returns to Guayaquil, Remembering a Controversial Past

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — River Plate is set to return to Guayaquil for a match on May 8, 2025, evoking memories of a past fraught with controversy. This marks the first encounter between River Plate and Barcelona SC in Ecuador in 35 years, a game that left deep scars and ignited significant institutional fallout.

The last time these two teams faced each other in Ecuador was during a chaotic semifinal encounter in the 1990 Copa Libertadores. That match still resonates with fans and is often described as one of the most tumultuous in the tournament’s history.

In 1986, the two clubs had a much smoother experience, when River Plate decisively beat Barcelona SC 4-1 on aggregate in the semifinals, which helped them secure their first Libertadores title. However, the narrative completely changed in 1990. After winning the first leg 1-0 in Buenos Aires, River faced a nightmare in the return leg in Ecuador.

Controversial refereeing decisions and violent incidents marred the match. Peruvian referee Carlos Montalván awarded a questionable penalty to Barcelona SC after a foul that many claimed never occurred. Luis Alberto Acosta capitalized on this, bringing the aggregate score to 1-1.

What followed was chaos, including allegations of physical aggression against the Argentine players and harsh conditions in the visitor’s dressing room, which lost water and electricity. The atmosphere intensified as stadium speakers taunted the visiting fans.

As the match progressed to penalties to determine who would advance, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Morales saved a crucial penalty kick from River’s José Tiburcio Serrizuela. In another moment of confusion, a seemingly missed penalty call for Barcelona led to panic among the fans, resulting in a storming of the pitch, and ultimately the match was abandoned.

River Plate filed a formal complaint with CONMEBOL, expressing their grievances regarding the event. Jorge Perillo, then secretary of the club, made it clear that they were seeking answers and considering their future in international competitions.

The aftermath of that match left a lasting mark on the players, especially Serrizuela, who struggled with the consequences of the missed penalties and his fraught relationship with coach Daniel Passarella.

While Barcelona SC failed to secure the title, losing the final to Olimpia of Paraguay, the semifinal against River Plate has since become a symbol of their club’s proud history. The jersey worn by Morales during that fateful match is now housed in their museum.

As River Plate prepares for its return to Guayaquil, the echoes of 1990 loom large, a reminder of both the tension and the historic significance of these two teams’ encounters.