Having returned from Uruguay with a deceiving loss to Nacional, River returned home to face the modest club of San Martin of Tucuman. Facing the home crowd after such a loss would be a tough challenge for the Millonarios. River is a very demanding club that expects the best out of its players and positive results, an issue that could be questioned lately. San Martin arrived in Buenos Aires looking to bring three points back home to Tucuman, which would help the club keep a spot in the first division. The last time these two clubs met each other was in Tucuman where River lost the match 3-1, forcing harsh criticism for then-coach Diego Simeone.
An unfortunate incident occurred in the first minute of the half. San Martin was awarded a free kick outside the box, alarming goalkeeper Mariano Barbosa. River has been strong in this area thanks to Mariano’s saves but he suffered another error this afternoon. River defender, Facundo Quiroga, tried to deflect the ball off a header when San Martin took their free kick but it adversely hit Barbosa off the chest and put San Martin on top. This event dramatically shifted any mentality to score early and score fast for the Millonarios. One thing is for sure, River did try to move the ball up the field rapidly but it would only reach ¾ of the field and disappear. Possession was in River’s favor but quick wit and decisive passes were not. The half ended with a tremendous amount of pressure for the players and for Coach Nestor Gorosito.
The second half brought a new River to the pitch. With Marcelo Gallardo substituting Matias Abelairas in the 11th minute, the game changed dramatically. Suddenly, River was able to see those key open areas that San Martin could not cover. Slowly but surely the presence of River’s tie was getting closer and closer. Finally, at the 15th minute of the match, Gustavo Cabral, once again, tied the match off a header. Marcelo played an important part in this play but he quickly rededicated himself to performing his best on the pitch. With the game now tied, San Martin became more aggressive on the pitch causing multiple fouls to be called in River’s favor. The half was ending and ran into extra minutes. At this point, the game was pretty much tied up until River was awarded a penalty shot in the 4th stoppage minute. As San martin’s squad all gathered the ref to complain, Radamel Falcao decided that he would be the man to match the game. Radamel took the penalty shot and drilled it past the goalkeeper to give River the win.
The Millonarios were very lucky to have escaped with a win and I am excited that it happened but there is a doubt despite the happiness. Why is that us, the fans, have to bite the bullet and accept stressull, last minute wins? River needs to improve in this area and put a game away as soon as possible. River’s next match is with Racing Club on the 29th.
