Another worrying performance by Matias Almeyda’s team saw a third consecutive draw, and for the first time this season River was unable to score.
River drew 0-0 with Deportivo Merlo in the first ever meeting between these two teams. As expected, Merlo played for the counter attack, trying to catch River’s back line off guard. This should have presented the opportunity for River to pressure the opponent and assault their goal. Instead River lacked cohesion and this time there would be no individual flash of brilliance to separate the teams on the scoreboard.
As has happened in virtually every game so far this season, the earlier chances went to the opponent, but luckily Merlo was unable to capitalize. With the midfield chasing more than they were creating, River’s attack had no teeth and rarely threatened. Few quality passes were completed in the final quarter of the field as Merlo’s steady defense kept pressure off their keeper.
River’s clearest chance of the first half came on a long ball over the defense by Martin Aguirre. That pass was met by a charging Fernando Cavenaghi who chipped the keeper only to see his shot float towards goal and unluckily hit the post.
In the second half Almeyda sent in Rogelio Funes Mori who had the closest shot of the second half. His long distant attempt cleared the keeper before dipping just wide. With minutes to go, River escaped a questionable penalty that would certainly have awarded Merlo the three points. Beyond these instances, the second half offered little for the highlight reel.
Over 20,000 supporters left the Libertadores disappointed that River was unable to find the form they had in the first three games. A concerning trend that River will have to address this week as attention turns to the next game, hosting Gimnasia La Plata at San Lorenzo.
