Matías Rojas shines in River Plate debut | OneFootball

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River Plate had a tough debut against Platense at the Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López for the first match of the Liga Profesional 2025.

The team led by Marcelo Gallardo did not play a good game and started losing due to a serious error by Franco Armani. Later, they had to work hard to break down the rival's strong defense and barely manage a draw.

Paraguayan Matías Rojas came on for Gonzalo Montiel with very little time left, and minutes later, he headed a loose ball in the rival's area to send it to the back of the net and have a dream debut with the River Plate jersey.

Gallardo and Rojas' debut in River

"He's looking for his best physical form" clarified the Muñeco about Rojas in the post-match press conference. The former Racing player, who played for Corinthians and comes from Inter Miami, comes from a time without playing but had already had good minutes in the pre-season friendlies. "He comes from a very different league, played in a very different position on the field and is adapting" explained the Millonario coach.

"He has to find his best physical form" insisted Gallardo before dedicating some good praise to the Paraguayan: "He's a very intelligent player who gives us several alternatives".

"It's good that he scored a goal. It helps with adaptation and gaining confidence" expressed the coach.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder also spoke after the match and was self-critical of the team, saying that River has "things to correct". He also pointed out that the state of the field was not the best at Platense's stadium, although "it's no excuse".

The second match of the Liga Profesional 2025 starts tomorrow, and it will be played throughout the week. River Plate will have its official debut at the Monumental, hosting Instituto de Córdoba on Wednesday.

📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2025 Getty Images