Two goals from Fernando Cavenaghi and an inspired game by Alejandro Dominguez led River to a 4-1 victory in the South. River moves into a tie for first place.
River needed a win. The historic circumstances of River’s first match in Puerto Madryn coupled with two losses in three games had set expectations (rightfully) high. Matias Almeyda made two changes with regard to the last starting eleven, including Martin Aguirre and Alexis Ferrero in place of Andres Rios and Adalberto Roman. The switch worked, especially for Aguirre who had added another solid game to this season’s resume.
It took a while for River to begin to unravel the home team’s defense. The game was back and forth until the 34th minute when Dominguez crossed in a free kick from the corner and Lucas Ocampos headed the ball in. From that point on Guillermo Brown were rattled and unable to regain rhythm.
Any chance for a comeback evaporated just seconds into the second half. About 20 seconds after play resumed, Dominguez slotted home a loose ball in the box to give River the 2-0 lead. With 45 minutes left, River had all but sealed the 3 points.
With a solid pair in the midfield of Aguirre, River controlled the play and would eventually set up two goals for Cavenaghi in the 11thand 33rd minutes. Player by player, all of Almeyda’s men responded to the task of returning to Buenos Aires with three points. A last minute penalty for Guillermo Brown would be a minor negative mark on the game that saw River reach Instituto at the top of the table and Cavenaghi become the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals.
River now awaits Instituto’s result (at Almirante Brown) to see if they stay in first or drop back to second. Next is a clash at the Monumental against another old foe, Rosario Central who are in third place.
