Copa Libertadores Drama: River Plate Beats Libertad on Penalties to Reach Quarterfinals

Sep, 25 2025

First leg: A defensive stalemate in Paraguay

The round‑of‑16 tie opened on August 14, 2025, at the Estadio Más Monumental in Asunción. Libertad fielded a compact back four—Giménez, Viera, Rojas and Ramírez—behind goalkeeper Silva, while River Plate tried to break the lines with midfielders Sanabria and Campuzano supporting a forward line of Fernández, Aguilar, Franco and Melgarejo. Both sides pressed, but neither could find the net, and the match ended goalless after ninety minutes. The draw set the stage for a decisive second leg in Buenos Aires.

Second leg: Goals, tension and a shootout showdown

When River Plate hosted Libertad at the iconic Estadio Monumental on August 21, the atmosphere was electric. River opened the scoring early, capitalising on a quick break that saw Franco slip the ball to Fernández, who slotted past Silva. Libertad responded before halftime, with a header from Rojas that tied the game 1‑1. The remainder of regular time saw chances on both sides but no further breakthroughs, leaving the aggregate score level.

Extra time brought no change, so the tie moved to a penalty shootout. River Plate’s experience shone through; their first three takers hit the target, while Libertad managed only one successful conversion before missing two. The Argentine giants clinched the shootout 3‑1, sealing their passage to the quarter‑finals of the Copa Libertadores.

River Plate’s triumph adds to a remarkable tournament run. In the group stage they topped their pool with twelve points from six matches—three wins and three draws—scoring thirteen goals while conceding seven. The win over Libertad also extends their unbeaten streak against the Paraguayan side to five matches, now comprising four victories and a draw.

Looking ahead, River Plate will await the draw for their next opponent. Analysts predict a tough clash, as several South American heavyweights are still in contention. Coach Marcelo Gallardo has praised his squad’s mental toughness, especially the penalty takers who stayed calm under pressure.

Fans are already buzzing about potential line‑up changes. With the midfield duo of Sanabria and Campuzano showing consistency, and the attacking trio of Fernández, Franco and Aguilar delivering goals, the team appears ready to push deeper into the competition. The quarter‑final will likely be a test of depth, as River Plate may need to rotate players to maintain freshness for the domestic league.

In summary, the dramatic penalty shootout against Libertad not only kept River Plate’s quest for continental glory alive but also reinforced their reputation as a resilient side in South America’s premier club tournament.