From the first minute of the match, it went downhill for River. Visiting Banfield in the southern Buenos Aires province, River was set on obtaining the first win of the Apertura 2009 tournament. The highlight of the match was the return of Marcelo Gallardo and Ariel Ortega in River’s starting line up. The return of River’s idols would be an energetic push for a team that has been struggling with its identity. Unfortunately, this push did not happen and River lost its first official match in the second half of the year.
As stated before, it took Banfield one minute to blast a shot past River’s Daniel Vega. The goal could be compared to lightning, where you know it was going to happen soon but not that fast. Banfield’s Santiago Silva easily made his way through River’s weak defense, making a mockery of the sleeping giant. The quick goal caused River to lose its balance right from the start. Not even Gallardo or Ortega could help River bounce back. The team struggled to organize itself, losing possession rapidly and creating zero chances. At the 32nd minute of the first half, Banfield scored again thanks to Sebastian Fernandez. The first half ended with lots of jeers from River’s visiting fans, something that is becoming a custom.
If you thought the first half was bad, the second half was worse. No ideas, no motivation, and no ambition to win were the three main factors. Coach Nestor Gorosito tried to shake things up by bringing in Diego Buonanotte in the middle of the second half but nothing happened. As the game progressed, the television cameras pointed at Coach Nestor Gorosito’s face and it was funny to see his reaction. His blank stare and astonished look summed up what every fan feels. If things don’t get better, it is going to be another frustrating year for River. On the positive side, River president Jose Maria Aguilar will be leaving. Thank you.
