River Plate 0-1 Rosario Central: Otamendi own goal extends crisis (full match highlights)

River Plate's crisis deepened dramatically as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rosario Central in the third round of the 2026 Torneo Clausura at a packed Estadio Monumental on August 3. The game was decided by an unfortunate own goal from captain Nicolás Otamendi in the 27th minute, when he deflected a low cross from Jaminton Campaz into his own net. There was further frustration in the 34th minute when referee Nicolás Ramírez initially awarded a penalty to River for a handball by Emanuel Coronel, but VAR official Fernando Echenique intervened after review to overturn the decision. Rosario had chances to extend their lead in the first half, with Lautaro Rivero testing the goalkeeper in the 10th minute and Fausto Vera threatening in the 17th. In the second half, Jeremías Ledesma produced several fine saves to deny River, including a smart stop from Lucas Beltrán. Rosario were reduced to ten men when Coronel received a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, but River couldn't capitalise on the numerical advantage. The result gives Rosario Central their first win of the Clausura, moving them to four points. It's River's third consecutive defeat in the championship, leaving them bottom of Group B with zero points. Including the Copa Argentina exit and the Torneo Apertura final loss, it's their fifth straight defeat across all competitions. Ángel Correa missed the match through injury, while Di María started for Rosario. River face Tigre away on August 10, while Rosario host Aldosivi on August 9. Can Marcelo Gallardo's side snap this losing streak? Statistics show River had 12 shots with 4 on target, while Rosario managed 9 with 3 on target. The hosts dominated possession with 58% against 42%.

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