River Plate secured a significant victory at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium against the Córdoba Institute, with a resounding scoreline of 4-0. A standout performer of the night was the promising youth sensation, Santiago Lencina, who not only made his presence felt but also scored his first goals in the Primera División, playing a pivotal role in the win for the team managed by Marcelo Gallardo on the second matchday of the Clausura Tournament.
The 19-year-old attacker, who had been included in the starting lineup by the Doll, alongside debutant Juan Cruz Meza, instantly showcased his talent. He found the net early in the match, extending the lead previously established by Facundo Colidio with a shot that inadvertently deflected off an Institute defender before nestling in the goal defended by Manuel Roffo.
The sequence leading to Lencina’s first goal began with a goal kick from Franco Armani. The ball was skillfully controlled by Maximiliano Salas, who then moved it to the left flank for Colidio. Noticing Lencina’s clever run, Colidio expertly threaded the ball through to him. Lencina, positioned inside the penalty area, unleashed a left-footed strike that took a slight deflection off a defender, resulting in the first of many cheers from the River Plate supporters.
But the night was far from over for Lencina. In the 67th minute, he celebrated his second goal after a well-orchestrated team play. It initiated with Maxi Salas on the left, who delivered a pinpoint cross into the area. Lencina, positioning himself perfectly, received a subtle touch from Colidio before directing the ball into the bottom corner of the net—a clean finish that heightened the team’s lead to 3-0.
*Santiago Lencina’s second goal
Born on September 4, 2005, in Corzuela, Chaco, Lencina has made a notable entrance into the professional arena. This match marked his fifth appearance in the Primera División, showcasing his growth and promise on the field. He had already flashed signs of brilliance in the 3-1 win against Platense on the opening date of the Clausura, which led to Gallardo’s vote of confidence in him for this match. Lencina’s introduction to senior football came about under the guidance of Marcelo Escudero, who managed the team during a transitional period following Martín Demichelis‘ departure from the club in a tense 0-0 encounter against Unión de Santa Fe on August 4, 2024, where Lencina made a cameo appearance as a substitute.
Lencina primarily operates as an offensive midfielder, a role that has seen him shine throughout his youth development. Historically, he occupied the playmaker position in the academy but has demonstrated versatility by filling various roles, including as a winger on both sides. In the reserve team of the Millonario, he impressed with 49 appearances, netting 9 goals and providing 12 assists. His exceptional performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned a call-up to the U20 national team, participating in three friendly matches under the guidance of Javier Mascherano.
Lencina’s journey with River Plate began in 2018 when he joined the club’s 2005 category (pre-novena) after a stint with Sports Athletic Club Unidos del Chaco, where he first honed his skills as a budding footballer. The notable talent he exhibited caught the attention of River’s recruitment team, leading to his inclusion in the famed youth academy, known for nurturing future stars. Currently, Lencina has solidified his status within the team, even making the squad for the Club World Cup, showcasing his rapid ascent within the ranks.
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