Independiente Rivadavia win first-ever Copa Argentina title in dramatic final

Independiente Rivadavia claimed their first-ever Copa Argentina title on Wednesday, beating Argentinos Juniors 5–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in regular time.

The victory means that the Mendoza side have secured direct qualification for the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores for the first time in the club’s history, while also banking more than 150 million pesos in prize money.

Known as La Lepra, the club from Mendoza will make their debut in South America’s premier club competition, joining Platense – winners of Argentina’s Apertura tournament – and Rosario Central, the best-placed team in the annual league table covering both domestic championships.

The final, played out at Instituto’s Estadio Monumental Presidente Perón de Córdoba before around 25,000 spectators, saw Independiente Rivadavia secure the most important trophy in their history – their first in Argentina’s top flight.

Colombian winger Sebastián Villa, who had been River Plate’s tormentor in the semi-finals, sealed the victory by scoring the fifth and final penalty with a powerful strike that left veteran goalkeeper Sergio ‘Chiquito’ Romero with no chance.

In the preceding 90 minutes, Independiente Rivadavia showed their strength, taking an early lead through a header from Paraguayan striker Alex Arce after nine minutes and extending their advantage when Matías Fernández made it 2-0 in the 62nd.

But La Lepra, already down to 10 men after Amarfil’s sending-off in the 41st minute, were forced to endure heavy pressure from the Bicho, who pulled one back almost immediately through Alan Lescano in the 63rd minute. 

Even coach Alfredo Berti saw red for a clash with an Argentinos player on the touchline.

Deep into added time, Independiente Rivadavia went down to nine when Alejo Osella was dismissed (90+2'). Moments later, Erik Godoy then levelled the score at 2–2 (90+7') by slotting home after a scramble in the box.

The shoot-out swung when Gonzalo Marinelli – who had come on in the 89th minute to replace injured goalkeeper Ezequiel Centurión – saved Tomás Molina’s spot-kick, the fourth of the series.

Villa then stepped up and made no mistake, firing home to crown the mendocinos champions.

“We’ve improved day by day, throughout the tournament,” said Villa, who was one of the stars of the tournament, banking four goals including crucial penalties in shootouts.

The 29-year-old Colombian, who captains the side, has been at the centre of controversy since 2020, when he was accused of gender-based violence while playing for Boca Juniors. Convicted in 2023 of aggravated threats and minor injuries, he was sentenced to two years in prison but served no jail time due to the length of the sentence. 

Independiente Rivadavia succeed Central Córdoba of Santiago del Estero as holders and become the ninth team to win the national competition, which has been played 13 times.

Boca Juniors hold the most Copa Argentina titles, with four.

– TIMES/AFP/PERFIL