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For the first time in their history, Argentina’s biggest club River Plate have been relegated to the second division after a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Belgrano at the Estadio Monumental.
The result was followed by mass riots as furious River Plate fans set fire to cars and clashed with police outside the stadium. The relegation is the first in River Plate’s illustrious history and in European terms, is the equivalent of Real Madrid being relegated to Division 1.
Needing to win by two goals or more to stay in the Primera A after losing to Belgrano 2-0 in the first leg a week ago, River took an early lead thanks to striker Mariano Pavone whose turn and shot flew into the Belgrano net.
The relief amongst the River Plate fans was inpalpable as they pondered an amazing comeback. Alas, it was not to be as Belgrano equalized with 30 minutes remaining when midfielder Guillermo Farre drilled home a low shot under Juan Pablo Carrizo to tie the game at 1-1 and increase the visitor’s aggregate lead to 3-1.
Now needing three goals to win, River Plate were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty a minute later. However, Pavone turned from hero to villain as he skied his penalty high and wide. The miss sealed River Plate’s fate as Argentina’s most successful club with 33 domestic titles and two Copa Libertadores were relegated. OUCH!
Catch the highlights of an amazing match and an extraordinary moment in Argentinian football history below.
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