River Plate opened its new life in the second division of Argentine football with a 1-0 victory Tuesday against Chacarita Juniors before 40,000 at River's Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
In June, River Plate was relegated to the second division for the first time in its history, a blow to a club that has won 33 titles in the top flight - 10 more than anyone else.
Defender Juan Manuel Diaz scored the winning goal with a header, pleasing new coach Matias Almeyda.
In the top flight, a last-minute goal from Mariano Pavone gave Lanus a 1-0 victory against Independiente to maintain their perfect start to the season.
The sides were locked at 0-0 until second-half substitute Pavone struck with just seconds left to put Lanus at the summit of the standings.
San Martin San Juan won their opening fixture 2-1 against Tigre.
Roberval (39) and Lucas Landa (83) put them ahead before Ariel Pio's late consolation.
Argentinos Juniors drew 1-1 with Newell's Old Boys after Mauricio Sperdutti cancelled out a Diego Mateo own-goal.
