Great victory tonight for River! The Millonarios, with a 10-men squad since the second half, defeated Racing Club in Avellaneda in a final result of 1-0. Mariano Pavone scored River’s winning goal before the end of the first half off a penalty shot awarded to Erik Lamela. Although River faced difficult circumstances with the ejection of Juan Diaz and Coach J.J. Lopez, the team but their game face on and won an important match. With the win, River had gotten further away from the relegation zone and has secured second place in the standings of the Torneo Clausura tournament.
Juan Pablo Carrizo, River’s most important man of the match today, was the emblem of a strong defense against Racing Club. He singlehandedly blocked many plays and important shots that could have changed the final result of the match. Once again, Carrizo demonstrated why River needs him now more than ever. His firm stance in the goal area, and his ability to annihilate the opposition’s chance of scoring, indicate greatness in the making. There has been much talk that he could be Team Argentina’s goalkeeper in the upcoming Copa America; after today’s match, he deserves it.
Erik Lamela had a good match today, contrary to what we had seen the week before. He maneuvered with ease between Racing’s defense, and it was he who was brought down within the penalty area before the end of the first half. Mariano Pavone took the opportunity to put River ahead, and he successfully put the ball in the back of the net. Unfortunately, Juan Diaz committed a mistake before the whistle and was ejected from the match with double yellow cards. In addition, Coach J.J. Lopez was ejected from the match after River arrived late on the pitch following half-time.
With these two incidents, River now had to change strategies for the second half. Racing took full advantage of the gap on the pitch and began to attack consistently. Regardless, River was able to hold Racing back in the entire second half and win the match. Three important points were acquired in Avellaneda, and River’s title hopes are slowly becoming a reality.
Watch Mariano Pavone’s Goal Below:
