River could have scored but ended up winning by the minimum against Libertad in Paraguay. The team suffered more than necessary Martin Demichelis, although they returned from Paraguay with the three points by winning 2 to 1 to be the leader of group H of the Copa Libertadores. Thus, he began to heal his wounds after the blow of elimination with Boca in the League Cup. All thanks to the kid Franco Mastantuonowho reappeared after an injury and brought joy to the Millionaire.
It was not understood how River had gone into the halftime break with the game tied. Because of the large number of goal situations he had and because at times it was a barrage that cornered Libertad against his goal. But, in truth, if you analyze it coldly, you will find the explanations.
One of them was due to the very good performance of goalkeeper Rodrigo Morinigo, who saved three goal balls; another for incompetence; He also had bad luck in some plays, but, fundamentally, River paid dearly for the distractions.
Not only was he distracted in attack. Also, in defense. And perhaps Martín Demichelis should review the zone marking system in the corners against him. And much more so if he plays against a team whose main weapon is the air.
River was winning calmly until Libertad’s equalizer came from a corner kick. Sanabria’s center exceeded González Pirez and Espinoza arrived free to attack Borja’s area and score a formidable header. Libertad easily achieved that goal that had cost River so much.
On the other hand, Núñez’s team had six scoring chances in less than 20 minutes. Borja had converted but it was annulled through the VAR because he had the right boot forward. In another, Solari put his cue and hit the post, although if it was a goal it would have been disallowed because he was in a prohibited position. But he was going to have revenge for the Puntano. After a close cross from Aliendro, he threw himself with his feet forward and placed the ball next to a post.
River deservedly won and it seemed like they were going to finish the game in the first half. But not. The team, structured in a 4-2-3-1, and with a lot of internal play, began to stay and, therefore, lose weight on offense. Solari, the best in those first minutes, wore himself out with the back and forth, Barco began to navigate inconsequentiality and Echeverri this time was discontinuous and imprecise, beyond his attempts. There was a great display from Aliendro, both in attack and defense.
For the complement, Demichelis opted for Mastantuono instead of Echeverri. And other changes also arrived as the minutes passed. Fonseca, Nacho Fernández and Lanzini entered. The ones that came out? Villagra, Barco and Aliendro. And later, Colidio by Solari. That is, figurine by figurine. These are Demichelis’ modifications in most games. They lack surprise.
Despite this, what the coach did manage to do was renew energy with fresher legs. And River once again put together passes and made attacking plays. But Libertad fiercely defended every attempt by Núñez’s men. And, with his limitations, he was also encouraged.
River was losing the game until with ten minutes left they looked inside again, like at the beginning of the game. And Colidio, Lanzini and the kid Mastantuono came together, who showed off something that footballers of his talent can do. With a soft shot, he slid the ball into the only space where it could go, and with the help of a deflection off a Libertad player, the ball ended up in the net. Thus, the youth rounded off a good performance. He had entered very well. In the first minutes he was also close to converting after a long run.
With Libertad played, River, with an active Lanzini, had the chance to seal the match. Borja lost the duel with Morinigo and Colidio defined poorly after a pass from Mastantuono. Still, he achieved a great victory and began to heal.