River Plate visits Club Atlético Banfield at the Estadio Florencio Sola on Sunday, for the seventh round of the Torneo Clausura. The fixture kicks off at 15.00 local time (18.00 UTC), operating under interim management following the departure of Eduardo Coudet.
Ponzio Steps In as Interim Coach
Leonardo Ponzio takes charge of River Plate as interim head coach following the exit of Eduardo Coudet, who parted ways with the club after a penalty shootout defeat to Independiente Santa Fe in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. Ponzio, who worked within River’s technical secretariat since 2022, prepares for his managerial debut against Banfield. According to reporting from Bolavip, Jonatan Maidana is set to join Ponzio’s coaching staff starting next week, while current assistants Escudero and Manfredi remain on the bench for Sunday’s match.
Team News and Likely Lineup
According to coverage from TyC Sports and Bolavip, the interim coaching staff is expected to retain much of the starting XI that faced Independiente Santa Fe. The probable River Plate formation features Santiago Beltrán in goal; Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, and Marcos Acuña across the backline alongside either Lucas Martínez Quarta or Lautaro Rivero; a midfield trio of Aníbal Moreno, Tobías Andrada, and Fausto Vera; with Thiago Almada, Ángel Correa, and Sebastián Driussi leading the attack.
On the opposing side, Banfield enters the fixture under manager Pedro Troglio following a 2–1 loss to Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario. Banfield’s probable starting lineup includes Diego Rodríguez—projected to make his debut in goal in place of Gino Santilli—backed by a defense of Ignacio Abraham, Santiago Daniele, Nicolás Meriano, and Brandon Oviedo; a midfield featuring Santiago López García, Favio Álvarez, Federico Medina, Tomás Adoryan, and Lisandro Piñero; with Alexander Machado positioned in attack.
Standings and Match Context
River Plate sits near the lower half of the Torneo Clausura Zona B standings with four points from the opening rounds, while holding 33 points in the annual table. Banfield occupies the 11th spot in Zona B with seven points, aiming for a victory to break into the playoff qualification places. The match will be officiated by referee Leandro Rey Hilfer and broadcast live on ESPN Premium.
Match Details
- Fixture: Banfield vs. River Plate
- Competition: Torneo Clausura (Round 7)
- Date: Sunday
- Time: 15.00 local (18.00 UTC)
- Venue: Estadio Florencio Sola, Banfield, Argentina
- Referee: Leandro Rey Hilfer
- TV: ESPN Premium
