Late Gonzalo Montiel header helps River snatch 1-0 win over Instituto in Argentinian top flight
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River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel celebrates after scoring against Instituto in their Argentinian league match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Jan 29, 2025.
PHOTO: AFP
Gonzalo Montiel buried a diving header in the 90th minute to earn River Plate a 1-0 home win over Instituto in their Argentine Primera Division Apertura tournament clash at the Estadio Monumental on Jan 29.
The win moved River up to sixth place in the Group B standings with four points from two games, one point ahead of seventh-placed Instituto.
In an eventful first half, both teams had goals disallowed due to offsides and the match was interrupted for several minutes by technical issues with the VAR system, caused by a disruption to the television broadcast.
River also appealed for a penalty when Facundo Colidio went down in the box just before half time, but the disgruntled striker's claims were ignored by the referee.
The home side spurned a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 51st minute when a rebound from Instituto goalkeeper Manuel Roffo's save fell at the feet of Marcos Acuna, but the fullback scuffed his effort and shot wide from close range.
River, who also struggled to create chances in a 1-1 draw at Platense in their opening match of the Apertura season, were toothless for much of the contest, with fans expressing their displeasure by chanting 'move River, move'.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 90th minute, when substitute Paulo Diaz's header from a corner hit the post and 2022 World Cup winner Montiel was on hand to nod home the rebound.
"It was a difficult match. We didn't find the passes we've been training for, but luckily we were able to convert in one of the last ones and take the three points," said Montiel, who rejoined River from Spanish side Sevilla earlier in January 2025.
"I'm enjoying every day. I'm very happy to be in this institution which is beautiful. I try to enjoy it to the maximum.
"You try to keep on adding and helping the team. This is about the team, we have to keep finding the idea of the game. Today was a bit more difficult, but we'll try to keep improving."
Marcelo Gallardo's River next travel to face San Lorenzo on Feb 2. REUTERS
