SÃO PAULO – River Plate claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Red Bull Bragantino in a Copa Sudamericana Group H clash on Wednesday, securing top spot in the group with a stoppage-time header from Lucas Martínez Quarta. The match, played in São Paulo, was punctuated by a denied penalty and a late red card, adding to the drama of a contest that could have swung either way.
From the opening whistle, River Plate, managed by Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet, demonstrated intent to control possession and press high up the pitch. The Argentine side consistently threatened the goal defended by Cleiton, but struggled to convert their opportunities into a lead. As the match progressed, Bragantino, under the guidance of Vagner Mancini, found their footing, exploiting transitions with Isidro Pitta posing a growing threat.
The second half continued at a frantic pace. A pivotal moment arrived when Lucas Martínez Quarta conceded a penalty after a challenge inside the box. However, River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán stepped up to deny Eduardo Sasha from the spot, keeping his team alive in the contest. The complexion of the match shifted further when Bragantino’s Alix Vinicius received a second yellow card, reducing the home side to ten men.
Despite the numerical advantage, River Plate found it difficult to break down a resolute Bragantino defense. Just as a draw seemed inevitable, Martínez Quarta rose to meet a cross in stoppage time, heading the ball past Cleiton to secure a dramatic win for River Plate. The goal marked a significant moment for the centre-back, who had previously been involved in the penalty decision.
Beltrán’s Crucial Save and Martínez Quarta’s Redemption
The match’s turning point arguably came with Beltrán’s penalty save. The goalkeeper’s ability to deny Sasha proved crucial, preventing Bragantino from taking the lead and potentially shifting the momentum entirely. Beltrán’s performance earned him a Sofascore rating of 8.7, highlighting his impact on the outcome.
Martínez Quarta’s evening was a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially responsible for conceding the penalty, he ultimately redeemed himself with the winning goal. The goal was a testament to his determination and ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch. The centre-back has been a key figure for River Plate since returning to the club in January 2025, after a four-and-a-half-season stint with Fiorentina.
River Plate’s Copa Sudamericana Campaign
This victory places River Plate in a strong position in Copa Sudamericana Group H. The team’s performance demonstrates their ambition to compete for the title. Martínez Quarta’s return to River Plate from Fiorentina has bolstered their defensive options, and his contributions have been vital in their recent successes.
Lucas Martínez Quarta, born May 10, 1996, currently plays as a centre-back for River Plate and the Argentina national team. He initially joined River Plate’s youth system in 2012 and made his senior debut in 2016. He signed a five-year contract with Fiorentina in October 2020, before returning to River Plate earlier this year.
What’s Next for River Plate?
River Plate will continue their Copa Sudamericana campaign with their next group stage match scheduled for May 22nd against Sportivo Luqueño. The team will aim to maintain their momentum and secure qualification for the knockout stages. Fans can follow River Plate’s progress and receive official updates through the club’s official website and social media channels.
The win over Bragantino represents a significant step forward for River Plate in the Copa Sudamericana. With a strong squad and a determined spirit, they are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.
