Argentine football giant River Plate punched its pass to the 2025 Copa Libertadores knockout stage by thrashing Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle 6-2 on Thursday. The results sees El Millonario top Group B with 11 points, four ahead of second placed Universitario Deportes from Peru, with just one game left.

The first half proved a tricky affair for Marcelo Gallardo’s team. They went ahead just seven minutes when Sebastián Driussi tapped in the first goal of the night after Lucas Martínez Quarta headed the ball down from a corner. But just four minutes later, a quick Independiente counter saw Argentine striker Michael Hoyos make it 1-1.

The match continued to be a back-and-forth affair as both teams scored in quick succession to leave things tied at 2-2. River managed to break the tide and took the lead for good in the 48th minute of added time. Defender Mateo Carabajal grabbed Franco Mastantuono inside the box........

© Buenos Aires Herald