River suffers another blow on a night with many strong stories

Final minute of the match. River desperately seeks victory against Independent Rivadivia. He wants to break zero to zero no matter what. He knows that a lot is played after too many frustrations. He shoots a cross, Giuliano Galoppo heads in, the ball travels at an angle and looks like a goal, but the saving hand comes from Ezequiel Centurión, a goal formed in the millionaire quarry…

It’s the semi-final of the Argentine Cup. The 90 minutes end with the score tied at zero. Then come the penalties. There, in the first execution, the former River goalkeeper, Ezequiel Centurión, emerges again to save Miguel Borja’s shot. However, there is more. Because this dramatic series is closed by Sebastián Villa, a former Boca player who has just been acquitted by Justice in a case of sexual abuse and gender violence. The Colombian does not fail, crowns victory and provokes a double reaction…

With that goal, Villa unleashes the Mendoza madness for landing in their first final in Argentine football. The millionaire fans also exploit, who insult their players and send them off the field with a powerful blow, already fed up with suffering blows and no titles since Marcelo Gallardo returned to lead his second cycle as coach at the club, a second stage empty of play, identity and titles.

An Independiente employee bails out water from the playing field

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River deserved just a little more than Independiente Rivadavia because they came close to scoring a couple of times. In the first half, with a shot from Juanfer Quintero to the post and another from Nacho Fernández that Sheyko Studer cleared off the line. And in the second, a header from Galoppo that sent Centurión flying. The Mendozas tried to attack, but without too many variations. His great tool, as always, was Villa.

The storm not only delayed the resumption of the second half for 48 minutes. He also conspired against the football that River tries. In any case, it is not valid as an excuse. Gallardo’s changes showed that he is also disoriented by this hyper negative reality of his River. It must be the first deep crisis he has gone through as a coach considering his two stages in the millionaire team. This build doesn’t convey like their best teams. And it costs him an immense amount to reach the goal.

Of course, despite this problem, it is strange that Muñeco excluded his two most important reinforcements very early: he took out Maxi Salas at halftime and Juanfer 8 minutes after the restart. Later, at a press conference, Gallardo did not allow questions, but said bluntly: “Clearly the objectives have not been met. In general the team does not have freshness, creativity or depth. We have to hold on to the championship in these last 45 days to see if we can be champions. Then the decisions that have to be made will be made.”

Marcos Acuña (River) disputes a ball with Mauricio Cardillo

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The Doll declared in depth: “In this shitty moment, no one is going to wait for you to give you a hug or take you by the hand somewhere. When you win, everyone is there, when you lose, no one is there. We will see who is there to support this adversity. It is not for everyone to support themselves at this moment. There is manhood. It is a moment of disapproval, of criticism, of a lot of malice in opinion. All of that is going to be there. We may have to go through it. alone. Football is like that.”

Regarding the way in which it will have to be handled, Gallardo pointed out: “We can all have a bad sporting year, but in another way, with another identification. I must have clarity and controlled emotion. If your emotions are weak on paper, bye… They make you shit.” This is how River, its players and Gallardo are, full of doubts, defeats, worries, all without answers, all pointed out, all in crisis. Will they find the way out?