The return of Leonardo Astrada as River’s new head coach started off in the worst way. With three goals in the first half by Independiente, River was dealt a humiliating loss against the home crowd and the first loss against the ‘Red Devils’ in 13 years. Although the loss reflected poor against Coach Astrada, he was not put on the ‘blame list’ by the fans. The players were the culprits responsible for the loss, and this leaves the club in a dangerous position.
Having just signed a new coach, River Plate had enough motivation and support from its fans to start turning things around. Coach Astrada became the headliner before the match started, with much attention focused on his return. His goal through out the previous days to the match was to start winning games and qualify for the 2010 Copa Libertadores. His desire would crash through out the first half. Independiente reach River’s goal area three times, and it was in those precise moments that they scored. Dario Gandin, Ignacio Piatti, and Nestor Silvera easily embarrassed River’s poor defense. All this occurred within the first 35 minutes of the first half. The game was pretty much done at that point.
Marcelo Gallardo, having entered in the first minute of the second half, was able to change some dynamics of River’s attack but nothing was secure. River’s forwards, Diego Buonanotte and Cristian Fabbiani, continued to give their best but nothing never happened. In fact, when Cristian Fabbiani was replace in the 24th minute of the second half, he committed an act worth mentioning. As he moved towards the substitution bench, he ‘hushed’ the crowd with his finger. This caused many jeers and insults to a player who promised much but never delivered. It is an unfortunate gesture that confirmed that his humbleness towards the fans is gone. At the end, Marcelo Gallardo was awarded a penalty and he took one back for the Millonarios but it was not close enough. Three things can be had from this match: new coach, same lousy players, and same results.
