Returning from a long break after the South American Qualifying Matches for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa took over the nation, River faced a difficult rival in the Monumental Stadium. Tigre, who has had an advantage against the Millonarios in the past, came to River’s home looking to walk away with a win that guaranteed them a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. River, on the other hand, wanted to keep adding more wins and collect more points to be as high as possible in the standings. One of the major highlights of the match was the debut of 17-year-old Erik Lamela. With a successful record with River’s younger squads, his presence was demanded by both fans and management.
The initial start of the opening half came with a surprise. In the opening minute of the match, Tigre scored the first goal of the match. Led by Leandro Lazzaro, Tigre silenced the stadium. It looked like it would be a long Saturday afternoon, with lots of jeers and insults. With River trailing, Coach Nestor Gorosito maneuvered his strategy with River’s forwards have more impact up field. River was able to take advantage of this push and dominated the upper half of the field. Tigre still created dangerous plays against River’s defense but it could not finalize its efforts. At the 39th minute of the match, River tied the match with a superb play led by Uruguayan Robert Flores. The young player has had trouble maintaining a chance to play minutes on the field but he proved that his constant effort to improve worked. The end of the half approached and River went to the locker room satisfied but yearning a lead.
After returning from Colombia with his national team, Radamel Falcao put on the River jersey and shined on the field. His presence changed River attitude in the second half as his role as “leader” proved successful. At the 17th minute of the second half, Radamel put River on top of Tigre. With an excellent play past Tigre’s defenders, Radamel assured that River needs him and cannot afford to lose him. With the team on top, River got possession rather quickly on the pitch. Tigre fell apart and the Millonarios took full advantage. At the 42nd of the second half, Cristian Fabbiani scored his second goal for River and celebrated with style. Putting the ball under his shirt to resemble a pot belly, he poked fun at his weight and ended a long drought. With a 3-1 score, River managed three important points and climbed a spot in the standings.