River Plate Seeks Redemption in Home Opener Against Instituto

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — River Plate, under the guidance of coach Marcelo Gallardo, will aim to secure their first victory of the 2025 Torneo Apertura as they host Instituto at the Estadio Monumental on Wednesday night. The match, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. local time, comes after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Platense in their season opener.

River Plate struggled in their debut, falling behind early due to a rare error by goalkeeper Franco Armani. A late header from Matías Rojas salvaged a point, but the performance left fans and critics alike questioning the team’s form. Gallardo, however, remains confident in his squad and has opted to field the same starting lineup that faced Platense.

The team will feature Armani in goal, with Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Lucas Martínez Quarta, and Marcos Acuña forming the defensive line. Enzo Pérez will anchor the midfield alongside Maxi Meza and Giuliano Galoppo, while Manuel Lanzini, Facundo Colidio, and Miguel Borja lead the attack. Gallardo hinted at potential substitutions if the offense fails to click in the first half.

Instituto, on the other hand, enters the match with momentum after a commanding 3-0 victory over Gimnasia in their opening fixture. Under the direction of coach Pedro Troglio, the Córdoba-based team will look to capitalize on River’s shaky start and secure an upset on the road.

The match also marks the debut of River Plate’s new 360-degree video screen, a state-of-the-art addition to the Estadio Monumental. The installation, inspired by European stadiums, is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to modernize its facilities.

Fans can catch the action live on TNT Sports or follow minute-by-minute updates on Olé’s website. River Plate supporters have organized a special welcome for the team, hoping to inspire a strong performance in their home opener.

Gallardo emphasized the importance of improving their image after the lackluster start. “We know we didn’t play our best in the first match, but we have the quality to turn things around,” he said. “The players are focused, and we’re ready to give our fans something to cheer about.”

With both teams eager to make a statement, Wednesday’s clash promises to be a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Torneo Apertura.