River’s debut to the Torneo Clausura was not exactly as expected. The Millonarios lost to Apertura-champions Banfield, in the Monumental Stadium amid a crowd full of support. For the most part, the match was dull and River only seemed to react when the team was down a goal. Coach Leonardo Astrada put up a great line-up against Banfield, but the spark that was visible during the preseason matches was not there on Sunday afternoon. It was a bleak start for River, and it should serve as a revelation for the Millonarios.
River had the motivational push to start things off correctly in the first week of the Torneo Clausura tournament. Matias Almeyda and Ariel Ortega started the match as the main leadership of the group, and Rodrigo Rojas made his official appearance for River. As the teams warmed up on the field, the tension was felt in the stands from both teams. Banfield, as current champions had the least pressure, but River needed a win to start on a positive note. Throughout the whole match, Daniel Vega was the man responsible in not allowing Banfield to score. He stopped many clear opportunities that would have destroyed River’s hope of a win. Unfortunately, he could not hold out much longer and Banfield score the only goal of the match in the 36th minute of the second half.
Ariel Ortega was not in his best form either. The ‘Burrito’ has been playing well in the past few games, but today was not his day. He was not able to maneuver himself around players like he usually does, and that cost River possession of the ball and opportunities to score. There were chances towards the end of the second half for River to tie the match, but only then did River perform an ‘aggressive’ attack form to find a goal. Little was seen from the rising stars, Daniel Villalva and Rogelio Funes Mori, which lead to another disappointing factor of the match. River will have another chance to gain the first three points of the tournament this Thursday, when the squad faces off against Chacarita Juniors.
