River ended the 2009 Clausura Tournament on the losing end as Estudiantes de la Plata came to the Monumental Stadium and escaped with a 2-1 victory. Playing Estudiantes should have been an easy challenge as most their stars were resting for the Copa Santander Libertadores final. With Estudiantes bringing their “B” side and River having all of their stars at disposal, it should have been a victory. Nonetheless, River lost and failed to accumulate points for next year’s Copa Santander Libertadores. Additionally, this game could have been the last for many of River’s current stars, including Radamel Falcao and Diego Buonanotte.
Jose Luis Calderon and Marcos Rojo scored the goals for Estudiantes while Diego Buonanotte pulled one back for the Millonarios. This game, like many others during the past six months, once again showcased a weak River. Plagued with bad luck, the Millonarios were not able to rebound as many thought. Although River did manage to “somewhat” erase the last place obtained past December, it failed to accomplish two major goals. The Copa Santander Libertadores and this Clausura tournament were those goals. The reality is that River is far away from becoming what it was once.
As for River’s two most notable players, their future looks abroad. Radamel Falcao has seen offers from Portugal, Spain, and England but nothing has been concrete. Although he did resign with the Millonarios, he is definitely looking elsewhere to prosper. Diego Buonanotte is also being linked to major foreign clubs but no offer has reached River’s management ears. In order for new players to arrive in River, the club needs to sell and it looks as though these two players will be the club’s most profitable transfers.
