Independiente Rivadavia vs Deportivo La Guaira

Independiente Rivadavia made it nine points from nine with a dominant 4-1 win over Deportivo La Guaira at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza. The night belonged to Alex Arce, whose hat-trick made him the undeniable star and underlined Rivadavia's status as genuine Copa Libertadores contenders. Arce opened the scoring in the 26th minute, meeting a cross at the penalty spot. La Guaira levelled through Guillermo Ortiz, who bundled home from a corner in the 31st. Sebastián Villa restored the lead from the spot in the 44th after Luis Peña fouled him in the box. Arce struck again just before the break and completed his treble in the 65th with a composed first-touch finish from a César Florentín layoff. The result keeps Rivadavia top of Group C with a perfect record, putting early qualification to the round of 16 firmly within reach. For La Guaira, who had drawn their opening two group games, the heavy defeat leaves them with a serious mountain to climb.