<h4>River defeats Defensores de Belgrano 1-0 in their first match of the Copa Argentina. Chori Dominguez scored the game’s only goal.</h4>
The Copa Argentina is under way and River had a victorious, if unspectactular, debut. The tournament, which includes all the clubs in the seven tiers of Argentine football, is the equivalent of the English FA Cup or Spanish Copa del Rey. A single game elimination tournament that will culminate on the 25th of May, the birthday of the Argentine Republic.
The 25th of May also happens to be the anniversary of the founding of River Plate, potentially setting up a story book ending to a season in the second division that many could never have imagined. To get there though, River will have to win 6 games. Step one would pit them against a familiar foe in Defensores de Belgrano. Not only familiar because of their star player, the legendary Ariel Ortega, but also because they are a neighbor club located just blocks from River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.
The Copa Argentina match would be played 550 miles west in San Juan, but as usual when River travels out of Buenos Aires, they were greeted by a multitude of local River fans who instantly turned the fixture into another home away from home game for the Millonarios.
Matias Almeyda decided to send out what could be called a B team, including Fernando Cavenaghi, Alejandro Dominguez and Ezequiel Cirigliano as the only regular starters. German Pezzella, the Argentine U-21 player, finally got to see some playing time in defense and Venezuelan international Cesar Gonzalez got the first start of his River career. In goal, Almeyda went with the player he considered to be the starting keeper at the beginning of the season, Daniel Vega.
As for the game, it was River’s from start to finish as Defe never posed a real threat to Vega’s goal. The defense and midfield were solid and Defensores simply didn’t have the horses to compete. River opened the score on a play conjured up between Cavenaghi and Dominguez. A well timed back heel pass from Cavenaghi put the ball in behind the defenders and onto Dominguez’s run. The light touch over the charging keeper saw the ball find the empty net for a goal that surely will make the season highlight reel.
After that, River generated several more scoring chances but again failed to convert. An unfortunate recurring theme this season where River control the game but are incapable of creating the final knockout punch. The second half would see even less chances with both teams resigned to the 1-0 final score.
Passing the first hurdle, Defensores de Belgrano, River have now drawn another third tier team, Sportivo Belgrano. As has been mentioned on La Pagina Millonaria, it is like a bad reminder having to play two teams called Belgrano with the nightmare of relegation at the hands of another Belgrano still fresh in our minds. Fans and players alike know that we can begin to exorcise the demons of that fateful June day by lifting a cup, the Copa Argentina, on the 111th anniversary of River Plate.

River Wins Debut in Cup

River Wins Debut in Cup - La Página Millonaria

<h4>A late goal for Boca Unidos added insult to injury as River, who had numerous chances, falls for the first time on the road.</h4>
If there is one thing to take away from this season it will be the tremendous support River has received in every port of call, nationwide. Corrientes was no exception with a sold out stadium anxious to see El Millonario up close and in person. To an extent, this team has fed off that enthusiasm and River made it nearly to the halfway point of the season with an unbeaten record on the road.
The stage was set and River didn’t waste time getting down to work. For almost the entire game, River outplayed their hosts but failed to find the back of the net. The second half saw River come close to scoring on a number of occasions but as the game died off, a single point seemed in to be in the cards for this trip up north.
Then Leandro Chichizola happened. The goalie, who by all accounts has been solid this season, had another momentary slip up. More often than not, when it comes to the keeper, all it takes is one slip up and you find yourself behind on the scoreboard. Chichizola paid the price again, this time on a corner in the first minute of injury time. He failed to clear the cross, leaving the ball loose in the area begging to be tapped in. Up to that point, Boca Unidos had very little to contribute to the game highlights, yet in a split second they managed to steal all three points.
Removing the last minutes of the game from the analysis, it is fair to say River played well. Carlos Sanchez returned to form, Fernando Cavenaghi got himself in scoring position several times, and Alejandro Dominguez continues to show his superior level of skill. Ezequiel Cirigliano continues to own the midfield and Lucas Ocampos was active in attack.
Yet there are still nagging issues with this team. The lack of a killer attack coupled with a shaky defense have turned the most popular team in the country into an inconsistent side that is beginning to hear rumblings of discontent from the millions of supporters. 
Not all is lost though with River still in second place, just two points behind Instituto. Next River plays in the newly reborn Copa Argentina, against Ariel Ortega and Defensores de Belgrano of the third division. The game will take place in San Juan and, as expected, will be played in front of a sold out crowd. Then River closes out 2011 hosting Patronato on Sunday before the holiday break. For the sake of enjoying the holidays, let’s hope River end the year on a two game winning streak.

Unbeaten Road Record Comes To An End

Unbeaten Road Record Comes To An End - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River and Rosario Central played to a 1-1 draw. The game ended in a furious, end to end pace with Andres Rios hitting the post on the last play of the game.</h4>
Over 40,000 River fans were on hand to see Matias Almeyda’s team try to stay atop the B Nacional table and keep momentum going from the victory in Puerto Madryn. Instead the home fans were treated to another slow start and another match where River are forced to come from behind. Also of note was the return of Paulo Ferrari, this time wearing a Central jersey, who was greeted with a mix of cheers and jeers.
Early alarm bells rang as Rosario Central came close to scoring several times. Thankfully for River, the visitors have their own issues and the game would see the first half end 0-0. The problems in defense continue for River, with Alexis Ferrero struggling to contain his man and Luciano Abecasis having his worst game as a starter. Almeyda opted for the Argentine U-21 member Leandro Gonzalez Pirez in place of the injured Jonatan Maidana in the center, but while the youngster was arguably the most solid defender, the entire back line was shaky.
Add to that a couple of poor decisions by keeper Leandro Chichizola and it was only a matter of time before River were staring at a 0-1 scoreboard. The second half was barely 3 minutes old when a counter put Chichizola to the test. On the first shot though, Chichizola managed to send a rebound back towards the middle of the box where two Central players waited. A deft touch into space let Gonzalo Castillejos skillfully place a shot past Chichizola for the lead.
The wheels started turning for River as Alejandro Dominguez and Fernando Cavenaghi started to find each other in attack. First, a ball found Cavenaghi darting into the area but the quick Central keeper Jorge Broun, who began to become a key protagonist, would deny the goal.
River kept pressing and eventually found their reward. Again it was el Chori Dominguez setting up Cavenaghi with a pass into the Central area. As the keeper came out to challenge, Cavegol this time chose to go under and the low shot would roll right into the empty net. The goal set off the home crowd who thought it was destined to see River come from behind to snatch the three points.
For the rest of the game it looked like they would get their prize, but in the end Broun did enough to keep the score level. On the last play of the game, a long ball towards the Central area saw substitute Andres Rios beat Broun to the ball just outside the Central area but his chipped shot would agonizingly hit the post before being cleared by the defender.
With the draw River stays in a tie for first place with Instituto who have a game in hand. Almeyda again will have to address the team’s inconsistent play as River face a trip north to face Boca Unidos.
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Home Woes Continue In Draw with Central

Home Woes Continue In Draw with Central - La Página Millonaria

<h4>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.</h4>
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.
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River Rolls Guillermo Brown

River Rolls Guillermo Brown - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River fell 0-2 to Atletico Tucuman in their return to the Monumental. The game also marked the return for Adalberto Roman who was responsible for the second goal. Roman was substituted at the half.</h4>
The afternoon was full of anxious expectation as River played only their second home game this season at the Monumental after serving a 5 game home stadium ban. The weather cooperated, but the opposition did not.
Almeyda’s team fell behind early again on a goal in the 13th minute. It took Atletico two passes to go nearly the entire length of the pitch, springing Luis Rodriguez in behind the River defense as a near helpless Leandro Chichizola couldn’t close down fast enough. The striker didn’t miss the far corner and River found themselves behind early, yet again.
Just 9 minutes later though Atletico would double their lead. Roman lazily tried to gather a back pass but instead of connecting, the ball slipped under his foot and into the open space of Chichizola’s area. The Atletico player just had to collect and slot the ball past the keeper to complete the gifted goal. The reproach from the stands was immediate and Roman would end up being substituted at half time.
It is worth mentioning that this was Roman’s first appearance since the infamous hand ball in the box that gave Belgrano a penalty in the first leg of the relegation playoff. The Paraguayan had been virtually exiled from the first team ever since, but slowly Almeyda started hinting that he would indeed include Roman. His chance came as Ramiro Funes Mori was injured last week, but unfortunately for Roman, it could not have gone any worse. Now the question will be if there will be a third chance.
With Alexis Ferrero on and a two goal deficit, River tried to answer but was ineffective in attack and soft in the midfield. Dominguez and Cavenaghi were well marked while Ocampos and Cirigliano failed to control the center of the field. At times it was painful to watch as River failed to conjure up anything that could come close bothering the Atletico keeper. In the end, there would be no moral victories to be had in what can easily be considered the worst game of the season for River. If anything, the concern will be the knock Cirigliano picked up towards the end of the match.
So a second loss in three games leaves River awaiting the result of the Instituto-Boca Unidos match to know how far behind the league leaders they have fallen. Next is a long journey south to Puerto Madryn to face Guillermo Brown. The main question continues to be when River will finally find some regularity and play on the level expected by the fans and coaching staff.

Atletico Ruin River�?s Return

Atletico Ruin River�?s Return - La Página Millonaria

<h4>Four goals from Fernando Cavenaghi gave River a much needed win against Gimnasia in Jujuy. 4-1 would be the final score for one of River’s most complete performances of the season, sending Almeyda’s team temporarily to the top of the table.</h4>
Coming off their first loss of the season, River arrived in Jujuy with the obligation to quickly put behind the disastrous game against Aldosivi. Matias Almeyda decided to change nearly half the starting 11 to try and get a better effort from his players. The decision paid off as River were clearly superior to their hosts in nearly every facet of the game.
Notable returns to the starting 11 were the two youngsters Ezequiel Cirigliano, fresh off his participation with the U-20 national team, and Luciano Abecasis who was returning from an injury. Both made immediate impact, showing calm on the ball and intelligence to distribute. The effect was obvious as River looked composed and organized throughout the game, practically giving keeper Leandro Chichizola the afternoon off.
Cavenaghi started things off when referee Pablo Lunati gifted River a penalty that didn’t exist. Alejandro Dominguez, who also had a good game, was brought down by the keeper in the box, though replays showed the keeper got to the ball first. Cavenaghi stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to open the score from the penalty spot.
Minutes into the second half, Cavenaghi would find a little space outside the box and swerve the ball over the keeper to the far corner. A majestic finish that all but sentenced the game with still almost 40 minutes left to play. The hat trick would come on what looked like a certain goal for Carlos Sanchez. Instead Sanchez found Cavenaghi nearly on the goal line where the striker back heeled the ball into the net. Another touch of class from El Torito.
With the game out of reach, Gimnasia would pull one back before Cavenaghi would finish his spectacular night off with a fourth goal. The break found Cavenaghi inexplicably alone in the area. A quick dummy sent the keeper to the ground setting up an easy finish over his outstretched hands. 4-1 and the game ball would be heading home with Fernando Cavenaghi who racked up his second hat trick of the season.
River played well in nearly every sector of the field. Ramiro Funes Mori, who made his debut in the center of defense, had an acceptable game and was vocal in organizing the back four. The youth brigade led by Cirigliano, Ocampos and Abecasis, set the table for the veterans, Cavenaghi and Dominguez. Hopefully this is the River we will see more of as the season continues.
Next is the anticipated return to the Estadio Monumental, after the 5 game home ban, to host Tucuman.
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Cavenaghi For Four

Cavenaghi For Four - La Página Millonaria

<h4>Four months have passed since River’s relegation nightmare in Cordoba. 28,000 River fans will be on hand for a return to the scene of the crime, this time though against second place Instituto. Kickoff is at 5:30pm EST.</h4>
Matias Almeyda will repeat the same starting lineup that has won two games in a row. The starters will be: Leandro Chichizola; Luciano Vella, Alexis Ferrero, Jonatan Maidana, Carlos Arano; Carlos Sánchez, Ezequiel Cirigliano, Martín Aguirre, Lucas Ocampos; Andrés Ríos and Fernando Cavenaghi.
River holds a one point lead over Instituto at the top of the B Nacional table. Two wins in a row have restored River’s confidence ahead of probably the most important game of the season so far.
Chori Dominguez did not make the trip as he struggles to recover from illness, and Alexis Ferrero will play despite battling a fever all week. Cesar Gonzalez was one of the key figures in Venezuela’s historic win over Argentina in World Cup qualifying this past Tuesday. Fans have responded and want to see El Maestrico get some playing time for River, but Almeyda left him behind in Buenos Aires.
The last time River played Instituto was in 2006 with a win for the Millonarios. In fact, River have won the last five time these two have met going back to 1999.
Instituto is widely considered the third biggest team in Cordoba behind Talleres and Belgrano, though their biggest rivals are Racing de Cordoba. They were founded by railway workers back in 1918 and won the second division title twice. Most notable among players who have played for La Gloria is Mario Kempes who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978 and also won a national title with River. Kempes, who currently works for ESPN Deportes, admitted this week that his heart will be divided in two as he watches the game being played at a stadium named in his honor.
The Cordobeses have only lost one game (at Rosario Central) and have proven to have a solid defense, giving up only 6 goals in 10 games. They have won their last three in a row and their top goal scorer is Paulo Dybala (7). 
The Outlook: River will have to use the atmosphere of the 58,000 on hand to its advantage. The biggest question will continue to be whether Ferrero, Maidana, Arano and Vella can keep up with the opposing forwards . Will Ferrero’s time out this week due to illness cause River problems? Surely it will be an active afternoon for Chichizola. Without Chori Dominguez, much of the midfield work will fall on the shoulders of Aguirre and Sanchez. Up front, Rios must make an impact, even if it only serves to free up Cavenaghi. Otherwise it could be long afternoon for Cavegol who will be trying to get back on the score sheet. Individual brilliance may not be enough today against a good Instituto team. That said, there is no reason to doubt Almeyda’s team is capable of coming home with three points.
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Preview: Game #11 at Instituto

Preview: Game #11 at Instituto - La Página Millonaria

<h4>Neither team was able to find the back of the net in an entertaining 0-0 draw. That keeps things the same as they were at the start of the day at the top of the table, with River as the sole undefeated team in the division. River made more of a case for three points than Instituto and played the last 20 minutes with a man advantage.</h4>
In a Mario Alberto Kempes stadium bursting at the seams with spectators, River and Instituto battled for first place of the B Nacional. The match would be up and down the field at times, with both teams seemingly on the verge of breaking the deadlock. Both defenses were up to the task today, and a point each was not the worst result for either team.
For River the brightest spots were Ezequiel Cirigliano and Carlos Sanchez. Both players made the midfield theirs, in effect isolating Instituto’s best weapon, youngster Paulo Dybala. On the other end of the spectrum, Fernando Cavenaghi probably would agree this was one of his weakest games of the season as he continually found himself struggling to keep possession of the ball and find space in attack. His best chance came on a shot across the front of the goal that Cavenaghi managed to get a knee to only to see the ball fire off the crossbar. With minutes to go in the first half, Cavenaghi found space just outside the box but his shot would drift wide and high.
The post would deny River in the second half as well. Andres Rios would see his shot go off the near post and later Keko Villalva caught the defense off guard but his shot would roll just wide of the far post. Late in the game Cavenaghi would pick up a yellow card for trying to punch the ball into the goal. This afternoon was not Fernando’s best and frustration was beginning to show. Shortly after, Almeyda would bring him off for Villalva.
Instituto also hit the woodwork in the second half, but for the most part they failed to threaten Chichizola’s goal. River’s defense started the game on shaky ground but resolved much better as the game wore on. With 20 minutes left the Cordobeses would be left with ten men when Facundo Erpen received his second yellow card.
With the man advantage, River pressed forward and played the last 10 minutes with everyone but the keeper in Instituto’s half. A non-call on Ocampos in the box denied River a dubious penalty, and Instuto bravely held on for the scoreless draw.
Splitting points in Cordoba is OK for River who will remain at the top of the table. A draw away from home against one of the top teams in the division is not an awful result, even if River came very close to getting the win. River will have a week off due to the Presidential elections in Argentina, and will return to action hosting Aldosivi (for their last home game at San Lorenzo) on the 29th. Almeyda will not be able to count on Ezequiel Cirigliano who was called up to the U-20 national team participating at the Panamerican Games in Mexico, but most likely will have Alejandro Dominguez back in the starting lineup.
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River Held At Instituto

River Held At Instituto - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River won 2-1 on a double by Martin Aguirre in the first half. The win keeps River at the top of the B Nacional table with a point advantage over Instituto, their next opponent.</h4>
Thousands of River fans made the trip to the Tomas Duco to see River face another former First Division foe in Huracan. The game got off to a bad start for El Millonario though when Gaston Machin put “El Globo” ahead 1-0 in the 7th minute. Alexis Ferrero gave up a silly ball just outside the River box and though Leandro Chichizola made a spectacular save on the first shot, he was helpless on Machin’s follow up.
The goal put River on its back foot for a brief period, but Almeyda’s team pushed forward and 7 minutes later found their reward. River regained its composure when Aguirre rose up to powerfully head home a cross off a corner kick. 1-1 and Almeyda implored his troops to press Huracan further up the field.
The aggressive pressing worked and five minutes later Aguirre would score what is probably the best goal of the season so far. Carlos Sanchez laid the ball off to Luciano Vella who dribbled towards the right corner before crossing a ball near the pentaly spot. The cross was behind Aguirre who from a near sitting position, with his back facing the goal, managed to volley the ball over his shoulder and past the keeper’s far post. A stunning goal that Aguirre told La Página Millonaria was “the best goal of his career”, while admitting he’s still not sure how he managed to make it happen. The midfielder now has four goals for the season.
The rhythm of the game in the second half was much slower with more fouls than scoring chances. Huracan threatened Chichizola’s goal one last time as the final whistle approached but Vella would make an amazing clearance on the keeper’s doorstep to save the day. It may have not been a sparkling one, but River got a deserved win as 2-1 would be the final score.
Next is possibly the biggest test of the season with a match against Instituto, in Cordoba, that will pit the table’s top two teams. Almeyda is expected to have Alejandro Dominguez back, but the concern at the start of the week will be Vella’s health as the defender appeared to pull a muscle on the last play of the game.

Aguirre Sinks the Hot Air Balloon

Aguirre Sinks the Hot Air Balloon - La Página Millonaria

<h4>After scoring 7 times against Atlanta, River will look to keep the momentum going with a visit to Huracan today. Kickoff is at 5:30pm EST.</h4>
Matias Almeyda will field the same starting 11 that played against Atlanta: Leandro Chichizola; Luciano Vella, Alexis Ferrero, Jonatan Maidana, Carlos Arano; Carlos Sánchez, Ezequiel Cirigliano, Martín Aguirre, Lucas Ocampos; Andrés Ríos and Fernando Cavenaghi.
Alejandro Dominguez was left off the roster for the second straight game. El Chori was left out of the game Wednesday due to fever. He is still recovering from the cold. The forward also admitted he has been suffering from panic attacks, but insists they have not affected him when he is playing. This admission came as rumors of why he was left out of the team mounted. The team and manager have shown full support for El Chori and expect him to be fit for the next game.
Around 15,000 River fans are expected to attend the mach at the Tomas Duco. A dispute over pricing of tickets led to some friction between the two clubs. Relations between River and Huracan have recently begun to cool due to the Millonarios deciding not to play out their home stadium ban at Huracan.
Huracan is one of the three teams that got relegated along with River. They have not had a good campaign so far currently sitting 9th in the table. El Globo are coming off two straight wins though against Ferro and Deportivo Merlo.
River has tied twice and won twice in the last four meetings between these clubs. The Clausura 2009 saw Huracan’s last victory over River.
The Outlook: As was shown on Wednesday, the key to winning today will lie in the midfield. The more they prevent Huracan from having the ball, the better chances River has of setting up Cavenaghi and Rios with scoring opportunities. Cirigliano and Aguirre must dominate the midfield. A win should be attainable as Huracan are not the best defensive team they will have faced.
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Preview: Game #10 at Huracan

Preview: Game #10 at Huracan - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River will look to stay atop the B Nacional table when they host Atlanta (at San Lorenzo) Wednesday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4:10pm EST. This is the first midweek match in the B Nacional for River.</h4>
Three new faces will crack the starting 11 tomorrow, all three are obligated changes due to injuries. Juan Manuel Diaz, Alejandro Dominguez and Rogelio Funes Mori are all out. The projected starting 11 will be: Leandro Chichizola; Luciano Vella, Alexis Ferrero, Jonatan Maidana, Carlos Arano; Carlos Sánchez, Ezequiel Cirigliano, Martín Aguirre, Lucas Ocampos; Andrés Ríos and Fernando Cavenaghi. Andrés Ríos will be making his first start in almost two years.
The bench will be comprised of Daniel Vega; Luciano Abecasis, Adalberto Román, Ramiro Funes Mori; Facundo Affranchino, Nico Domingo, Cristian Ledesma; Mauro Díaz; Gustavo Bou, Daniel Villalva and Fabián Bordagaray.
The last time River played Atlanta in an official game was back in 1984. That game finished 1-1 with the River goal scored by Enzo Francescoli.
Atlanta is another of the historic teams in Argentine football that currently play in the second division. Legend has it that the club was named after Atlanta, GA because on the day of its founding an earthquake shook the American city. Their nickname is The Bohemians due to being forced to relocate several times during their early years.
The Bohemians are playing their first season back in the B Nacional after spending 11 years in the Primera B Metropolitana. The past three decades have not been kind to the team from Villa Crespo, hitting rock bottom in 2002 when they were in danger of being relegated to the Primera C. Hard to believe this is a club that has spent a total of 45 seasons in the Argentine Primera Division over the years.
In 2004 Atlanta celebrated their centennial season. As part of the celebrations that season, Atlanta played River Plate in an exhibition game. The Millonarios spoiled the festivities winning 3-0.
Coming into the game Wednesday, Atlanta are in 16th place, 8 points behind River who will need to win to stay in first place. Atlanta won their game this past Saturday at Gimnasia La Plata 1-2. Their top scorer is Emiliano Ferragut with two goals.
The Outlook: River will play their first game without El Chori Dominguez in the midfield. Will this mean the team will be faster? Or will it mean the team will lack a creative spark? The spotlight will follow Andres Rios as well, given that he has been handed another chance to try and win the starting role while Funes Mori is out. If Aguirre is able to play at the level he showed early on in the season, then it could be good news for the forwards. With Cirigliano eating up the midfield it should allow Sanchez and Aguirre to move forward and connect with Cavenaghi and Rios. On paper River should have no problem winning this game, but as we’ve seen so far this year, River will have to overcome River for this become reality.

Preview: Game #9 vs Atlanta

Preview: Game #9 vs Atlanta - La Página Millonaria

<h4>An inspired River Plate hammered Atlanta 7-1 behind a hat trick from Fernando Cavenaghi.</h4>
The game all River fans were waiting for finally came as El Mas Grande lived up to its moniker and thrashed lowly Atlanta. The score line was an absolutely accurate representation of the difference between these two teams today, as Atlanta found themselves outmatched in every facet of the game.
River had the game in control from the start. Martin Aguirre opened up the scoring in the 13th minute when Atlanta’s keeper couldn’t hold on to a shot from Cavenaghi. 6 minutes later, Cavenaghi would get his first of 3 on the day on another dubious play by the keeper.
The game was on the verge of being closed out and the half hadn’t even finished yet. Any doubt would disappear a minute before the whistle when Lucas Ocampos got open near the area and fired a shot past the keeper. It looked like the second half would be a mere formality at this point.
That was when the Cavenaghi show really got going. In the 56th Cavegol scored River’s fourth goal minutes later scored an even better one. Cavenaghi got in behind the defense and as the keeper came out to challenge, he skillfully lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. It was Cavenaghi’s fifth goal of the season which moves him within 2 of the overall goal leader in the B Nacional.
When he didn’t score, Cavenaghi was busy setting up his team mates. Cavegol fed Fabian Bordagaray in the box to give the second half substitute his first goal in a River shirt and the team’s sixth. Atlanta had all but given up at that point when Andres Rios’ further punished The Bohemians with River’s 7th. An 87th minute consolation goal on a penalty was the only blemish on River’s afternoon.
The party in the stands was red and white today as the thousands of River fans poured out of the Nuevo Gasometro in complete satisfaction. The win moves River back to the top of the table with a point lead over Instituto. Next is a visit to Huracan on Sunday.

River Demolish Atlanta 7-1

River Demolish Atlanta 7-1 - La Página Millonaria

<h4>The last time these two teams met, River won 3-0 which captured the 2000 Torneo Clausura title against an already relegated Ferro. Kickoff is at 3:30pm EST from San Lorenzo.</h4>
River will be the visiting team today, even though they will play their second of three straight games at San Lorenzo. A multitude is expected to accompany El Millonario this afternoon.
Matias Almeyda will make only one change with respect to last week’s starting lineup. Fernando Cavenaghi will be back in action taking Mauro Diaz’s spot. The starting eleven will be: Leandro Chichizola; Luciano Vella, Alexis Ferrero, Jonatan Maidana, Juan Manuel Díaz; Carlos Sánchez, Ezequiel Cirigliano, Lucas Ocampos; Alejandro Domínguez, Rogelio Funes Mori and Fernando Cavenaghi.
Germán Pezzella and Leandro González Pirez will be on the bench for the first time this season. They had not been named to the game day squad since returning to the club after the U-20 World Cup in August. Cristian Ledesma will also reappear on the bench while Cesar Gonzalez was left off the squad.
River is top of the table, tied with Instituto on 15 points. Ferro is only three points back and is coming off a 0-0 draw with Deportivo Merlo.
Ferro is a historic team in Argentina. Founded in 1904, the club’s golden era was the decade of the 80’s when they were perennial contenders. Under the guidance of legendary manager Carlos Griguol, they went on to win the First Division title for the first time ever in 1982 and then again in 1984. The subsequent years saw a slow decline in fortunes for the club culminating in relegation in 2000. Bankruptcy and relegation to the Primera B Metropolitana followed in 2001. In 2003 they would come back up to the B Nacional and since then have consistently been a mid table team. 2007 was their only disappointing campaign when they were forced into a playoff to avoid relegation.
Ferro, whose name translates to Western Railway, was founded by English rail workers who worked for a company of the same name. Their stadium is the oldest serving stadium among professional clubs in Argentina, though today’s game will be played at San Lorenzo. Ferro chose to move the game in order to accommodate the larger crowd that follows River Plate.
Ferro have won all three of their home games so far this season. They are one of the teams with fewest goals scored so far with 5.
The Outlook:River will try to build on a good performance last week. If they can play with the same cohesion that they did against Gimnasia, they should be able to capture another win. The dual attack of Funes Mori and Cavenaghi could be the most productive combo this season if the midfield is able to control possession. Ocampos and Dominguez will be key in sending the forwards towards goal. Cirigliano will again be the lone defensive midfielder so we should see a more offensive minded team that will benefit from the wide pitch at San Lorenzo.

Preview: Game #8 at Ferro Carril Oeste

Preview: Game #8 at Ferro Carril Oeste - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River takes home a point after another game which produced very little in the way of scoring chances. Without ideas in the final quarter of the field, River was held scoreless for a second time in three games. The draw does move River into sole possession of first place by a point.</h4>
Any hope River fans had that this week would see a continued return to the form showed in the first few games was dashed early on when it became clear the team was unable to pose a threat to the Ferro keeper. The three pronged attack Matias Almeyda sent out failed to generate chances in a game that seemed to be constantly interrupted by fouls.
River’s first half was cautious and deliberate, seemingly content with maintaining a slow pace. For periods of the game, River was organized and made the play circulate with ease but failed to show teeth in the last quarter of the field. River’s closest chance of the half came off a corner. The cross was headed away but on the rebound Alexis Ferrero volleyed a shot just over the bar.
The second half saw tighter coverage on both sides of the ball as the fouls kept piling up. Man of the match Leandro Chichizola was called on to make two enormous saves, but beyond that saw little action. Lucas Ocampos and Carlos Sanchez were the more active players in the final stretches of the game but were unable to find a way through Ferro’s defense.
All of the confidence gained after last week’s match went out the window. Today’s dull performance leaves more questions than answers. If there are any positives to take from this game it is that River are alone at the top of the table and still unbeaten.
River had a great opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the teams chasing them at the top of the table who all slipped up this weekend. Instead River will next host Atlanta with only the slimmest lead. Promotion is still on track, even if the train can’t find its momentum.

River Stifled But Still Unbeaten

River Stifled But Still Unbeaten - La Página Millonaria

<h4>River hosts The Wolf at San Lorenzo in a match between two teams more accustomed to playing in the first division. Kickoff is at 4:15pm EST. 22,000 River supporters will be on hand at San Lorenzo’s “Ashtray”.</h4>
As was anticipated during the week, Matias Almeyda will be making at least three changes to the starting lineup. Luciano Vella and Alexis Ferrero will come in to play in the back four and Argentina U-20 member Ezequiel Cirigliano will see his first action of the season in the midfield. The projected lineup should see a return to a traditional 4-4-2: Leandro Chichizola; Luciano Vella, Alexis Ferrero, Jonatan Maidana, Juan Manuel Díaz; Carlos Sánchez, Ezequiel Cirigliano, Martín Aguirre and Lucas Ocampos; Alejandro Domínguez and Fernando Cavenaghi… maybe.
Cavenaghi has been bothered by a pulled leg muscle all week and his inclusion will be a game time decision. The alternative would probably be Rogelio Funes Mori. Cavenaghi has three career goals against Gimnasia.
River have suffered three straight draws but enter the match in second place overall, 1 point behind the other Gimnasia (Jujuy).
Gimnasia de La Plata find themselves in 12th place entering the game. They are coming off a 1-0 defeat at Defensa y Justicia and a 1-1 tie against Desamparados. Their top scorer this season is Gonzalo Choy (2 goals) though he will miss the game with an injury.
A curious statistic to keep in mind: River and Gimnasia have tied their last 6 games, stretching all the way back to the Apertura 2008. The prior season, Clausura 2008, was the most recent River victory against Gimnasia. That match ended 4-2 with goals from Abelairas (2), Ortega and Buonanotte. That season was also the last time River won the Argentine First Division title.
Gimnasia had been a member of the first division for 26 consecutive years. They lost the Promoción playoff to San Martín de San Juan. It was the third year in a row that Gimnasia faced a second division opponent in a playoff to avoid relegation.
The Outlook: As was seen two weeks ago, the larger dimensions of San Lorenzo’s pitch will not be kind on slow players. With Agustin Alayes out and Ferrero in, River’s defense should at least be quicker than it was the past few games. Four at the back, four in the middle, River will try to use the width of the field to its advantage. Keep an eye on Cirigliano in the midfield, the youngster is trying to win the starting role from Nicolas Domingo who has not played well this season. If Cavenaghi is healthy and Dominguez is active in attack, River will be favored to take the three points and possibly vault themselves back to the top of the table. 
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Preview: Game #7 vs Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata

Preview: Game #7 vs Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata - La Página Millonaria

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