River Plate defeated Fortaleza, from Brazil by 2-0, in the return of the public to the Monumental for Copa Libertadores after 30 months, and established itself as one of the leaders of group F.
Enzo Fernández and the Uruguayan Nicolás De La Cruz, with two medium-distance shots, scored the goals in a Monumental matched by more than 70 thousand souls in the mild night of the Belgrano neighborhood.
With this result, River Plate adds 6 units and is a leader along with Colo Colo from Chile who beat Alianza Lima 2-1 in Santiago. Marcelo Gallardo’s team (+3) has a better goal difference than its Chilean pair (+2), which it will face on the next date, April 27, in the trans-Andean capital.
The last Argentine soccer champion resolved with two great goals against a rival who presented him with a battle on the field of play, with a combative midfield, and a fast attack on the counter.
Although River had control of the game for much of the match, Fortaleza showed his teeth at the start with Moisés. First with an overflow on the strip covered by Andrés Herrera for a center that found Renato Kayzer and Milton Casco cleared on the line and then with a shot that Franco Armani covered.
Fortaleza, by Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda closed the bands and River tried in the middle, but a mistake by Yago Pikachu made De La Cruz’s center possible for Matías Suárez. The striker’s rebound served the ball to Enzo Fernández, who took a strong shot with his right foot, next to the post, unattainable for Max Walef.
River threaded collective plays between Julián Álvarez, De La Cruz and Suárez, but could not connect the last pass. Fortaleza continued as a dangerous rival, with the elusive Moisés, but the “Millionaire” extended the lead with a great shot from De La Cruz.
The match was entertaining the entire time. River went for more and Fortaleza did not give up.
River had the third before the break between Suárez and De La Cruz, and the visit responded with Moisés, in the save of Paulo Díaz.
The parity continued in the second half. River started with everything with two shots from Julián Álvarez and Fortaleza responded with another escape from Moisés that Armani resolved.
River was very close to the third with Milton Casco’s shot, cheered by the fans, which hit the crossbar.
The side played a great game, with touches of his quality, in a team that had De La Cruz as a figure, followed by the hierarchy of Enzo Pérez; the security of Paulo Díaz and Armani; and the confidence of Enzo Fernández.
The entry of Juan Fernando Quintero by Matías Suárez took speed away from River’s attack. The Colombian was erratic, but it coincided at the moment where Fortaleza, with changes in between, felt the great wear and tear of the match and did not attack as much.
At the end, David Martínez cleared Fortaleza’s discount on the line at the feet of former Independiente and Lanús, Silvio Romero.
River lived another party with his people and got rid of an annoying rival, which he must take into account when he has to face him as a visitor.
