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River Plate Power Past Urawa Red Diamonds in Confident Club World Cup Opener

By Sachit Subba Football • Jun 18, 2025 02:17 AM • 156 views

River Plate Power Past Urawa Red Diamonds in Confident Club World Cup Opener

River Plate signalled their intent on the global stage with an authoritative 3-1 victory over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds in their opening Group E clash at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday night. Goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastián Driussi, and Maximiliano Meza ensured a commanding start for the Argentine giants at Seattle's Lumen Field, where their fluid attack and disciplined backline proved too much for the Asian champions. The match sprang to life early, with Colidio giving River Plate a 13th-minute lead. The 24-year-old forward met Marcos Acuña's curling cross with a powerful header, setting the tone for a night dominated by the South Americans. Just after the break, River bizarrely doubled their advantage. Under pressure, Urawa's Norwegian defender Marius Høibråten inexplicably misjudged a bouncing ball, looping a header past his own goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa. Driussi, who had been lurking nearby, celebrated with his teammates as the goal was later credited to him after a slight deflection. Urawa Red, to their credit, refused to fold. They earned a lifeline in the 58th minute when Acuña, the provider at the other end, fouled Takuro Kaneko inside the area. Yusuke Matsuo calmly stepped up and buried the penalty, briefly swinging the momentum Japan's way. But River Plate showed their class and composure to regain control. Meza restored the two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute, rising highest to nod home another pinpoint corner from Acuña — who finished with two assists despite the earlier blemish that led to Urawa's only goal. The win gives River Plate an early edge in Group E, placing them atop the standings with three points. For manager Martín Demichelis, it was the kind of performance that reflected River's pedigree and promise in this revamped Club World Cup format. "It was important to start strong," Demichelis said post-match. "The players executed the game plan well. We were aggressive when needed but also patient. There's a long road ahead, but tonight was a good step." Urawa Red, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly before their next outing. The J.League side showed glimpses of threat but struggled to match River's pace and physicality in midfield. As River Plate fans chanted deep into the Seattle night, the message was clear — one of South America's most storied clubs is here not just to compete but to conquer.

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