River Plate faced another setback, losing to Sarmiento de Junín at the Estadio Monumental. This defeat marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss in the Torneo Clausura, compounding their struggles in recent matches. Out of their last six games, River has lost five, which jeopardizes their chances of qualifying for the upcoming Copa Libertadores. Currently, they sit third, a position that may secure a playoff spot, but it remains in jeopardy pending results from Deportivo Riestra’s upcoming match.
Coaches’ Reactions: Gallardo’s Frustration and Sava’s Relief
Marcelo Gallardo, River’s coach, exhibited visible frustration during the match. Initially, he received warm applause from the crowd and shared a cordial moment with Sarmiento’s coach, Facundo Sava, as well as with Lucas Pratto, a former River forward. However, as the game progressed, his demeanor shifted dramatically. Gallardo was seen directing his players, including Paulo Díaz and Maxi Salas, expressing annoyance at their performance.
Facundo Sava, conversely, was pleased with Sarmiento’s performance. Since his arrival, Sarmiento has made significant strides, climbing to eighth place, which grants them the final playoff position. Despite the victory, Sava acknowledged missed opportunities that could have secured a greater margin of victory. At one point, his excitement literally knocked him to the ground after a missed chance by his team that could have doubled their lead.
Key Moments in the Match
- 29th Minute: Sarmiento took the lead with a goal from Iván Morales after a mishap by River’s goalkeeper Franco Armani.
- Last Minute Drama: River managed to equalize late with a goal from Miguel Borja, but the goal was disallowed by VAR due to offside.
- Sava’s Near Injury: Frustrated by the disallowed goal, Sava kicked a ball in anger, almost injuring himself in the process.
During the match, the pressure from River’s fans grew palpable, especially in the second half. Discontent was expressed through chants and whistles as the game concluded. Currently, River remains third in the annual table with 49 points. This position potentially guarantees them a chance in the Copa Libertadores playoff, but results from other teams could overshadow this opportunity.
Next Matches
- River Plate: Saturday, October 18, against Talleres in Córdoba at 22:15.
- Sarmiento: Next match against Vélez in Junín.
As the season progresses, both coaches will continue to navigate their respective teams’ challenges, with River aiming to overcome their recent frustrations and Sarmiento looking to solidify their position for playoff contention.