Down to Ten Men, River Plate Earns Valuable Draw Against Blooming

Despite an early red card, River Plate showed resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against Blooming in their Copa Sudamericana group stage opener.

River Plate kicked off their Copa Sudamericana campaign with a hard-fought result in Bolivia, drawing 1-1 against Blooming in Santa Cruz. The team led by Eduardo Coudet had to overcome adversity early on after being reduced to ten men just minutes into the match.

Defender Lucas Martínez Quarta was sent off in the 4th minute following a foul on Bayron Garcés, a decision confirmed after a VAR review. From that point forward, the Argentine side was forced to adjust tactically and focus on defensive solidity while looking for opportunities on the counterattack.

River’s Efficiency Pays Off

Even with a numerical disadvantage, River Plate remained competitive. While Blooming, coached by Mauricio Soria, controlled possession and pushed forward, the visitors stayed compact and disciplined.

Their approach paid off in the 35th minute when Fabricio Bustos delivered a precise cross that found Sebastián Driussi, who finished clinically to give the Argentine side the lead. The goal highlighted River’s ability to capitalize on limited chances.

Blooming Responds, But River Holds Firm

In the second half, Blooming increased their intensity and eventually found the equalizer in the 53rd minute. A well-worked move between Moisés Villarroel and Antony Vásquez ended with the Colombian forward beating goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán.

With momentum on their side, the Bolivian team pushed hard for a winner, taking advantage of the extra man. However, River Plate stood strong defensively, with key interventions from Beltrán helping preserve the draw in the closing stages.

The result leaves both teams temporarily at the top of Group H with one point, pending the outcome of the match between Carabobo and RB Bragantino. In the next round, River Plate will host the Venezuelan side in Buenos Aires, while Blooming travels to Brazil.

Despite the challenging circumstances, River Plate demonstrated character and tactical discipline, earning a valuable point that could prove crucial as the group stage unfolds.