Copa Centenario AFA

River Plate fell to Gimnasia in the 1993 Copa Centenario final, a historic clash for Argentine football's centenary.

River Plate participated in the 1993 Copa Centenario de la AFA, a one-off tournament commemorating the Argentine Football Association's centenary. Although they reached the final, they fell short of the title, losing to Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. This tournament remains a notable, if bittersweet, chapter in the club's history, distinct from their many league and continental triumphs.

Quick Facts

Organizer: Argentine Football Association (AFA)
Final result: 3-1 (loss)

Lore & Background

The 1993 Copa Centenario de la AFA brought together Argentina's elite clubs for a special competition separate from the regular league calendar. River Plate reached the final, where they faced Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata at Vélez Sarsfield's Estadio José Amalfitani. Under manager Daniel Passarella, River Plate were defeated 3-1, with Gimnasia claiming the trophy. Despite the loss, the tournament remains a unique commemorative event in Argentine football history, showcasing River Plate's presence on a national stage during a year dedicated to the sport's heritage.

Reader's Guide

Conceived by the Argentine Football Association to mark the 100th anniversary of organized football in Argentina, this tournament was explicitly designed as a standalone spectacle, operating outside the rigid Apertura and Clausura league calendars that defined the era. River Plate's path to glory culminated in a final showdown against their arch-rivals, Boca Juniors.

Did You Know?

River Plate lost the 1993 Copa Centenario final 3-1 to Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata.
The tournament was managed by Daniel Passarella, not Ramón Díaz.
The final was played at Estadio José Amalfitani, not the Estadio Monumental.
This tournament is distinct from River Plate's Primera División titles and Copa Libertadores victories.