River Plate and Rosario Central did not manage to take advantage of each other and both were forced to take a home a draw after a disappointing game at the Monumental Stadium. The game was pretty much a bore, except for a few moments where River could have taken the lead. River’s youngsters were, once again, out of form and could not prove themselves as in the past. Marcelo Gallardo returned to the squad, making his initial appearance of the year while Rodrigo Rojas displayed great abilities after last week’s match.
Losing the motivational push that the team acquired during the Argentine summer preseason is all but lost. That magic touch that River had; the same touch that convinced fans that it would be a new year for new things, quickly faded away. The highlight of the afternoon was the absence of Ariel Ortega. It was known on Saturday afternoon that Ortega had a setback with his addiction to alcohol, and his late arrival to practice forced Coach Astrada to set him aside. Although Ariel Ortega has not been up-to-par in the Clausura tournament, he is still considered a leader in the group. It could have been his absence that forced the team to take away the focus on achieving a win.
River did more than Rosario Central, with numerous chances by Daniel Villava and Rogelio Funes Mori to put River ahead. The pressure that these youngsters have is taking its toll, and they have not been able to shine. Through out the match, River had more of the initiative to win, and Rosario Central just stayed firm to their ground. The arrival of Marcelo Gallardo in the second half was imminent, but his presence alone could not break the tie. River finished the match, goalless, with another debt left for fans. Things have to pick up quick or the year could be another disastrous one for the Millonarios.