An unexpected loss occurred tonight at the Monumental Stadium as River Plate lost to All Boys on a 0-2 final score. Two crucial mistakes cost the Millonarios a chance to remain on top of the standings, and it also affected the team’s relegation position for the upcoming season. Many missed chances cost River the match, and an inspired All Boys goalkeeper assured that no shot would get passed him. With this result, River heads into next Sunday’s derby with Boca Juniors on a frustrating and negative tone.
As always, the unconditional support from the crowd should have been a major factor in inspiring the team to achieve a victory but it was not enough. River failed to deliver the quality of football expected at home. All Boys, with a great multitude of support, managed to annihilate most of River’s attack. Nicolas Cambiasso, All Boys goalkeeper, blocked every shot that reached him. It was impossible for Mariano Pavone and Rogelio Funes Mori to get anything passed him.
The visiting team’s two goals resulted from clear errors on River’s defensive end. In the first half, Alexis Ferrero created a terrible mistake covering All Boys’ Emanuel Gigliotti and the first goal of the match was scored. In stoppage time of the second half, River was awarded a corner kick with a clear chance to tie the match. Juan Pablo Carrizo left his post and ran up the pitch to try to head the ball in, but the corner kick was quickly deflected and fell onto the feet of All Boys’ Juan Rodriguez. The visiting attacker ran past everyone, including Carrizo, and blasted the shot inside the net. Two crucial mistakes that left the team and the fans dumbfounded.
Coach J.J. Lopez has a lot to think about heading into next week’s match. Boca Juniors, although struggling as well, has a positive streak lately and they will surely take advantage of River’s flaws. The most important thing for the squad to do now is to work on its weaknesses. The team cannot afford to lose next week, and for the rest of the season as a matter of fact.
