It had been happening to Boca and it happened to River. Save footballers for the Liberators involves a risk in liga Argentina. Just as the xeneizes prioritize the round of 16 for the Cup against Corinthians and have been suffering two defeats in a row for the local tournament, now the millionaires also choose their continental duels against Vélez and meanwhile they fall in the domestic championship. Marcelo Gallardo’s team could not face Huracán.
El Muñeco put in a large majority of substitutes and it did not go well. It’s real: Jonatan Maidana’s just expulsion at 29 minutes into the first half (for elbowing Matías Cóccaro) made it even more complicated. He could not even balance it with the entry of Julián Álvarez at 15 in the second stage.
On top of that, River ended up sentenced for two goals by a former Boca, by Franco Cristaldo, author of the second (he pushed her after a long ball and a mistake by River’s central defenders) and the third (penalty). The first had been scored by the central marker Jonathan Galván, after a failed start by Franco Armani.
Huracán had taken a two goal lead, but the millionaires discounted with a header from Leandro González Pirez. The Globe again stretched the advantage. And Julián Álvarez, already in added time, drew the final 2-3 with a header after a corner.
River waits for this week a response from Luis Suárez, the much-dreamed-of reinforcement, and wants to make official the arrival of Colombian Miguel Borja. But what interests him most is Wednesday’s revenge for the Libertadores round of 16, against Vélez, at the Monumental, where he will seek to reverse the 0-1 suffered in Liniers.
San Lorenzo’s first defeat
Beyond River, on Sunday San Lorenzo also suffered its first defeat with Rubén Insua as DT. It was 1-2 against the recent Barracas Central, with controversial VAR failures that harmed Boedo’s team. There was a penalty not taken against Adam Bareiro and a goal badly annulled by Jeremías James, who was sanctioned for a non-existent advanced position.
Racing was another team that ended up protesting against VAR. The anger was unleashed by a very clear elbow against Enzo Copetti that was criminal, but it was not reviewed by those who manage the arbitration technology. A decisive mistake because the story in Junín ended 1-1. Sarmiento won with a penalty from Jonathan Torres and Copetti tied it with a nice header.
The remaining game was the 3-0 win that Unión enjoyed against Lanús in Santa Fe. Today the sixth date will close with four games. Newell’s, if it beats Patronato, will continue as the only leader. Independent will receive Platense. Students will visit Arsenal and Central will travel to Mar del Plata to face Aldosivi.
The only leader is Gimnasia de Néstor Gorosito with 14 points, Newell’s has 13. Banfield and Huracán add 11. Then, five teams with 10: Racing, Godoy Cruz, Atlético Tucumán, Argentinos and Unión. With 9, Platense and Boca. With 8, River and Sarmiento.
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