# River Plate squad updates during Torneo Clausura

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/river-plate-squad-updates-during-torneo-clausura
> Updated: 2026-10-22T23:31:33.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

River Plate defender Lucas Martínez Quarta received a tactical yellow card during a 3-0 victory against Belgrano. This strategic caution, achieved by approaching referee Pablo Dóvalo after the final whistle to reach his fifth caution, was intended to ensure his availability for the upcoming Superclásico against Boca Juniors by serving his suspension during the match against Racing instead.

As the team prepares to host Racing at the Estadio Monumental this Sunday, head coach Leonardo Ponzio must manage defensive adjustments. Martínez Quarta is unavailable for the Racing fixture, leaving a vacancy in central defense alongside Nicolás Otamendi. Ponzio must now choose between Lautaro Rivero and Tobías Ramírez to fill this role. Additionally, Marcos Acuña has recovered from a foot injury and is expected to return to the starting lineup at left-back, presenting a selection choice between the veteran and Francisco Ortega.

In the midfield, Aníbal Moreno is expected to lead the center, supported by Tomás Galván and Thiago Almada. Ponzio also faces tactical debates regarding the attacking formation, weighing the pressing capabilities of Lucas Beltrán against the scoring experience of Sebastián Driussi.

River Plate currently holds 6th place in their zone with 20 points, aiming to improve their standing for 2027 Copa Libertadores qualification. The upcoming match against Racing carries significant implications for these playoff aspirations. River currently maintains a nearly nine-year unbeaten home streak against Racing, a run dating back to June 2017.

## Claims

- River Plate will play Racing at the Estadio Monumental on Sunday, October 25. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The match is part of the 14th round of the Torneo Clausura. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Lucas Martínez Quarta is suspended for the match due to receiving five yellow cards. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Lautaro Rivero or Tobías Ramírez are the candidates to replace Martínez Quarta in defense. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Marcos Acuña has recovered from a foot injury and is available for selection. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Francisco Ortega recently played as the left-back in the match against Belgrano. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- River Plate currently occupies 6th place in their zone with 20 points. (single source)
- Aníbal Moreno is expected to play as a central midfielder. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Diego Dabove resigns as Tigre head coach

Tigre coach Diego Dabove has resigned after 81 matches following a 1-0 loss to Atlético Tucumán, leaving the club's playoff hopes in jeopardy.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-prepares-for-racing-derby-amid-defensive-changes

### 2026-10-21: River Plate defender Martínez Quarta receives tactical yellow card

River Plate's Lucas Martínez Quarta received a strategic yellow card against Belgrano to ensure his availability for the upcoming Superclásico after serving a suspension against Racing.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-defender-martnez-quarta-receives-tactical-yellow-card

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Cite as: River Plate squad updates during Torneo Clausura. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/river-plate-squad-updates-during-torneo-clausura