River Plate made a strong statement in the Copa Libertadores by defeating Barcelona SC 3-2 at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, securing the top spot in Group B and moving closer to a place in the round of 16. With this victory, the Argentine side reached eight points and remains unbeaten, while the Ecuadorian team stays stuck on four.

From the opening whistle, Martín Demichelis' team (instead of Marcelo Gallardo) imposed its authority. Just seven minutes in, Sebastián Driussi scored the opener with a clinical finish after an assist from Lucas Martínez Quarta, taking advantage of Barcelona's shaky defense.

Barcelona responded quickly. In the 15th minute, Octavio Rivero rose above the defenders to head home the equalizer, capitalizing on a lapse in River’s backline.

River regained the lead ten minutes later. In the 25th minute, promising youngster Facundo Colidio finished off a play similar to the first goal, rounding off a fluid team move and putting the visitors ahead again.

Early in the second half, it was 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono who stole the spotlight. In the 47th minute, he seized on a defensive error to slot home River’s third with composure, extending the advantage.

Barcelona SC, under the guidance of coach Segundo Castillo, pushed to stay in the match and got a lifeline when Martínez Quarta accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 65th minute. However, the home side couldn't find the equalizer as River’s discipline and efficiency held firm.

With this win, River Plate now leads Group B with eight points. Independiente del Valle, second with five, and Universitario de Deportes, also on four, were playing later in Lima, a match that could tighten the group even further.

The next round of fixtures will be crucial: Barcelona SC will visit Universitario on May 14, while River Plate will host Independiente del Valle on May 15, a match that could seal their spot in the next round.