Despite breaking the four-game losing streak in Tucuman, River was not able to bring back the much-needed three points to Buenos Aires. Facing the worst team in the Clausura tournament, Coach Leonardo Astrada planned an offensive strategy to put River ahead early. On the pitch, Ariel Ortega, Gustavo Bou, and Facundo Affranchino returned to the starting line-up while Adrian Cirigliano made his debut with the squad. A large number of River fans visited the province of Tucuman in northwestern Argentina for the Sunday night game, but they returned home disillusioned once again.
It seems to be an unfortunate custom for the Millonarios to not score, although the potential to score is there. This River squad has not been able to score for the last 5 matches, including this one. On the other hand, River’s minor squads are scoring left and right by huge numbers. Why is is that these players cannot replicate their actions when they are promoted to the first division squad? Clear examples are Rogelio Funes Mori and Daniel Villalba as they were given the chance but lost a clear opportunity to make a name for themselves. There were chances to score against Atletico Tucuman, but nothing was concrete.
On the other side, River’s defense continues to have more trouble week after week. The only two players that I can disregard from criticism are Matias Almeyda and Daniel Vega. These two pillars, so to speak, cover many of the defender’s mistakes. When rivals attack on any side, there is commotion and nervousness to handle the situation. If this is the case, then why play in such a demanding position? The majority of the players in this current squad lack certain qualities that make up their position on the pitch. Unfortunately, the means to acquire players who do possess these qualities is relatively low.
To end things on another negative note, Ariel Ortega was replaced in the second half by Daniel Villalba. It seems that he might have gotten injured, and could be out for the following match. An ugly 0-0 draw was acquired in Tucuman, with many fans full of anger and rage commenting on ‘La Pagina Millonaria’. We support our beloved club in every match, but we also expect the same respect and love back from the squad. River president, Daniel Passarella, has to make serious changes come June, regardless the price.
