The Paraguayan Tercera Division (PAR D3) produced an evenly contested match on 24 July 2026 as River Plate Asuncion and Martin Ledesma played out a 1–1 draw at the Estadio River Plate. Both sides had chances to win, but ultimately shared the spoils in a game that showcased the battling spirit of third-tier football in Paraguay. Kick-off was at 21:00 local time under clear skies.

Match Summary

The opening quarter of an hour was tense, with both teams feeling each other out in midfield. River Plate Asuncion, playing in their traditional white shirts, began to assert control through their midfield trio, but Martin Ledesma’s disciplined defensive shape limited clear-cut opportunities. The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute by the home side. A neat one-two between striker Carlos Villalba and winger Luis Benítez split the visitors’ defence, and Villalba calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

Martin Ledesma responded well, pushing forward before half-time. Their equaliser came from a well-struck free kick by midfielder Federico Coronel, who curled the ball over the wall and just inside the post, leaving the River Plate keeper with no chance. The score remained 1–1 at the break.

Second Half Battle

The second half saw end-to-end action, with both teams creating half-chances. River Plate’s best opportunity fell to substitute Diego Meza, but his header from a corner was cleared off the line by a Martin Ledesma defender. At the other end, a powerful long-range effort from Gustavo Galeano forced a fine save from the River Plate goalkeeper. Despite the late pressure from both sides, neither could find a winner, and the match ended in a stalemate.

Key Statistics

• Possession: River Plate 54% – 46% Martin Ledesma
• Shots on target: River Plate 5 – Martin Ledesma 4
• Corners: River Plate 7 – Martin Ledesma 3
• Yellow cards: River Plate 2 – Martin Ledesma 3

Standings Context

This result keeps River Plate Asuncion in mid-table, sitting 8th with 22 points from 16 matches. Martin Ledesma remain just below them in 9th place on 20 points. With the league season approaching its business end, every point is vital. For River Plate, the draw at home feels like two points dropped, but the performance showed resilience and attacking intent. Martin Ledesma will be pleased with a point on the road, especially after falling behind.

Player to Watch: Federico Coronel

The Martin Ledesma midfielder is proving to be a set-piece specialist. His free-kick equaliser was the fourth goal he has scored from dead-ball situations this season. At 27, he brings experience to a relatively young squad and is often the player his teammates look to in crucial moments.

Both teams now look ahead to their next fixtures in the competitive Paraguayan Tercera Division, where promotion spots are hotly contested. River Plate travel to 12th-placed Sportivo Ameliano, while Martin Ledesma host 10th-placed Olimpia de Itá in what promises to be another tightly fought encounter.