Ignacio fernandez

Primera Division Apertura: River Plate advanced to the quarterfinals of Argentina's Primera Division Apertura tournament with a 3-0 home victory over Barracas Central on Monday. Paulo Diaz opened the scoring when he pounced on a loose ball to fire home from six yards, and Ignacio Fernandez doubled the lead with a first-time strike into the far corner after Franco Mastantuono's cross.

Argentina World Cup winner Marcos Acuna put the result beyond doubt by thumping a 25-yard drive that took a deflection before rebounding in off the right post, reports Xinhua.

"We knew it was going to be tough, but our players showed that they were prepared for this match," River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo told a post-match news conference.