Leonardo Ponzio officially kicked off his tenure as interim manager of River Plate with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Banfield at the Estadio Florencio Sola. Following the crucial away win that provided immediate relief after a turbulent stretch, the former midfielder took to social media to share a carousel of match photographs accompanied by a single word of appreciation: “Gracias,” as reported by regional outlets covering the club.
The Context Behind Ponzio’s Interim Appointment at River Plate
Ponzio stepped into the technical area on an interim basis following the departure of Eduardo Coudet. The coaching change arrived amid intense pressure on the squad after River Plate suffered a bitter elimination against Independiente Santa Fe in the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana. Thrust into the role during a delicate period for the institution, Ponzio was tasked with steadying the ship ahead of domestic competition.
The trip to the Sur presented an immediate test against Banfield, where a slip-up would have compounded the crisis following their continental exit.
How the Match Unfolded at the Estadio Florencio Sola
Sebastián Driussi opened the scoring for the visitors before Thiago Almada doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. Ángel Correa later added a third goal to seemingly put the match out of reach.
Banfield mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, spurred by a brace from Bruno Sepúlveda that narrowed the deficit to a single goal. Ponzio’s side managed to withstand the late onslaught, holding on for the final whistle to secure a much-needed victory that stabilizes the squad’s immediate standing.
Support from the Stands and Former Teammates
Following the final whistle, Ponzio’s Instagram post acknowledging the supporters generated widespread engagement across Argentine football circles. Among those responding to the manager’s message was defender Germán Pezzella, who recently rescinded his contract with the club after falling out of favor under the previous technical staff. Pezzella, a World Cup winner in Qatar, had been training alongside a group of isolated players before his exit. Despite his departure following an unsuccessful push by teammates for his reintegration, Pezzella commented on Ponzio’s post with a public message of support: “Grande León!”
With his first test as a manager successfully navigated, Ponzio turns his attention toward upcoming league fixtures as the club hierarchy evaluates its long-term managerial options.
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