With a dominant, goal-filled performance, River Plate clinched its place in the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores on Thursday by thrashing Independiente del Valle 6-2 in Matchday 5 of Group B. The result puts the Argentine side at the top of the standings with 11 points, making them unreachable for their group rivals.

"El Millonario" asserts its dominance at home and claims first place

The match at the Monumental stadium got off to a fast start. Just 8 minutes in, Sebastián Driussi opened the scoring after a perfect assist from Lucas Martínez Quarta. But the Ecuadorian side responded quickly: in the 11th minute, Michael Hoyos equalized, and in the 21st, Claudio Spinelli headed home to put the visitors ahead 2-1.

That wake-up call sparked life into Marcelo Gallardo’s men. In the 25th minute, a deflected own goal by Paraguayan defender Luis Zárate leveled the match, confirmed after a VAR check. Just before halftime, 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono converted a penalty—earned after being pulled by Mateo Carabajal—to give River a 3-2 lead. The foul also saw Carabajal, captain of Independiente del Valle, sent off.

With a one-man advantage, the hosts dominated the second half. In the 52nd minute, Maximiliano Meza extended the lead to 4-2 with a clinical finish. Colombian striker Miguel Borja had two goals disallowed by VAR for handballs but finally found the net in the 87th with a superb strike to make it 5-2. Manuel Lanzini capped off the night with a long-range screamer in stoppage time for the final 6-2.

With this victory, River Plate tops Group B with 11 points, followed by Universitario (7), Independiente del Valle (5), and Barcelona SC (4). In the final matchday, River will host Universitario, while the Ecuadorian teams face off for the second qualification spot.

Gallardo’s side didn’t just advance—they made a statement. Their offensive power was on full display, solidifying their status as a serious contender for the continental title.