After last week’s win against Argentinos Juniors, River was looking to maintain a winning streak by receiving Lanus at the Monumental Stadium. On a gloomy, rainy afternoon, the Millonarios started off the day in a bad fashion. One of River’s idols, Ariel Ortega, decided not to play and requested to be taken out of the starting line-up. This left Coach Astrada with a tremendous gap up front, and many wondered what would happen to the “Burrito”. River managed to play a strong game against Lanus, but the club never found the goals it needed to win the match.
With Marcelo Gallardo and Matias Almeyda leading the team, River managed to make great plays. The team handled the ball well and had opportunities to score, but nothing was concrete. Forwards Diego Buonanotte and Gustavo Bou could not put the final touch, and as usual with games like this, it is the opponents who end up scoring first. Lanus’s strategy consisted of counter-attacking, waiting for the perfect opportunity to score. Although their goal came off a free kick in the last minutes of the first half, they had only reach River’s Daniel Vega goal area a few times. Unfortunately, River could not bounce back from this point. Every intention was made, but Coach Leonardo Astrada continues to encounter problem with his players. The second half showed a sloppy River, a River not worth watching.
What could have been a winning streak, turned out to be another loss at home. The other topic floating around the Monumental Stadium was Ariel Ortega. As mentioned earlier, he decided not to play against Lanus for reason unknown. Much speculation has been made concerning his addiction to alcohol, and his possible retirement from the club. Fans have supported Ariel in many situations, but I feel that this is a cowardly act, especially in a time in which River needs him the most. I wish him the best of luck in whatever decision he chooses, but as a fan, I want the team to win. Period.
