River, Rosario Central reach Apertura semifinals

River, Rosario Central reach Apertura semifinals

Xinhua
14 May 2026, 12:15 GMT+

BUENOS AIRES, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Sebastian Driussi and Lucas Martinez Quarta scored either side of halftime as River Plate advanced to Argentina's Apertura semifinals with a 2-0 home win over Gimnasia La Plata on Wednesday.

Driussi fired the hosts ahead in the 27th minute when he expertly controlled Facundo Colidio's cross before turning and, in the same motion, rifling a shot that left goalkeeper Nelson Insfran with no chance.

Former Fiorentina defender Martinez Quarta doubled the advantage with a looping header after Joaquin Freitas' cross from the right wing.

Gimnasia often threatened in attack but couldn't find a way past River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, who made six saves.

In Wednesday's other quarterfinal, Enzo Copetti struck in the 106th minute as Rosario Central won 2-1 at home to nine-man Racing Club.

Earlier, Rosario Central's Gaston Avila cancelled out Matias Zaracho's first-half strike as the game went to extra time.

The visitors lost Adrian Martinez and Marco Di Cesare to red cards in the 75th and 96th minutes, respectively.

River Plate and Rosario Central will meet in a single-leg semifinal on Sunday, with the winner to face either Argentinos Juniors or Belgrano in the final.

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