Rivadavia beats Argentinos Juniors on penalties for first title

BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Colombian forward Sebastian Villa converted the decisive spot kick as nine-man Independiente Rivadavia won the Copa Argentina on Wednesday by beating Argentinos Juniors on penalties.

Goals either side of halftime from Alex Arce and Matias Fernandez gave Rivadavia a 2-0 lead in Cordoba, despite a 41st-minute red card to midfielder Franco Amarfil.

Alan Lescano pulled a goal back before defender Alejo Osella was also dismissed for a second yellow card.

Erik Godoy forced the match into penalties by caressing a standing-start effort into the top-left corner in the 98th minute.

Luciano Gomez, Ivan Villalba, Kevin Retamar, Sheyko Studer and Villa all held their nerve for Rivadavia in the shootout. Lescano, Hernan Lopez and Lautaro Giaccone converted for Argentinos Juniors before Tomas Molina missed with his team's fourth attempt, paving the way for Rivadavia to prevail 5-3.

The result gave Rivadavia the first major trophy in its 112-year history and earned the team a place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores, its maiden international tournament. ■