Newell’s Old Boys 0 – 0 River Plate
By: Christian | February 17th, 2008
After an embarrassing loss in this week’s Copa Libertadores, Diego Simeone hoped that changes to his starting XI would boost the squads chances this afternoon, but despite the shakeup River were lucky to leave Rosario with a point after drawing 0-0 to Newell’s Old Boys in their second fixture in the Torneo Clausura.
With changes in defense (Gerlo for Ferrari) and midfield (Abelairas for Domingo), the biggest substitution was the inclusion of young Diego Buonanotte for Alexis Sánchez. However it was clear throughout the first half that River were again going to struggle on the day. Poorly defending on the opposition’s set pieces and creating in return few options in attack, la banda looked to be in danger of losing to a resilient if not entirely impressive Newell’s side, and only a brilliant performance by Carrizo in goal kept the scoreline level. The second half saw the match completely slow down thanks to the scorching heat, and despite the substitutions of Sanchez and Rosales, in the end the nil-nil result was an unfortunate but deserved result for both sides.
Despite all the hype that surrounds Buonanotte, he has yet to prove himself to be a game-changer, let alone a starter. Clearly he has tons of skills, and his movement on the ball can at times be sublime, but given his small frame he has a tendency to be easily pushed off the ball, and he simply isn’t effective moving forward. Obviously Simeone had to make a change after the disaster in Peru, but the young Diego is not yet at the level to give him more options, especially compared to Sanchez.
As for the rest of the squad, there was precious little to say. Sure, River didn’t concede a goal, but it was more to do with Carrizo and luck than anything else. Cabral, much criticized as of late, did not have a terrible game, but didn’t show much improvement either.
After two games in the league, River are lucky to have 4 out of a possible 6 points. It’s clear that Simeone is still trying to find his first XI, and in what way to best utilize them tactically. But with a tough schedule ahead that will include América in the Copa Libertadores, and San Lorenzo, Estudiantes, and Racing all looming in the league, la banda will need to figure out a solution soon if they are to stay in the race for the title.
River Plate
Juan Pablo Carrizo
Danilo Gerlo, Gustavo Cabral, Eduardo Tuzzio, Cristian Villagra
Leonardo Ponzio, Matias Abelairas
Ariel Ortega, Radamel Falcao (Mauro Rosales), Diego Buonanotte (Alexis Sánchez)
Sebastián Abreu
Category: 08 Clausura
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Comments
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It’ll be interesting to see San Lorenzo, included Ramón Díaz, Diego Placente and Andrés D’Alessandro visiting with Diego Simeone and River Plate at the Monumental.
Both teams need to win that game.
Posted from
United States
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No, it will not be interesting to see D’Alessandro in a San Lorenzo jersey. X-(
Posted from
United States -
I think it’ll be a good reception from the Monumental fans, and then the whistle will blow and then it will be a battle of who will suck the least.
Seriously though, as much as it will hurt to see Diaz and D’Alessandro in that God-awful SL kit, I’m more worried above River getting tree points and improving as a team.
Posted from
United States -
desde Portugal. Aguante River
Posted from
Portugal -
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Great site Paulo, wish i spoke portuguese to enjoy it.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Just finished listening to the podcast Christian, i loved the groan when you were introduced to the Boca fan, that made me laugh…:)
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Haha, glad you liked it.
How bout them Gers, through to the final 16? What do you think of their chances?
Posted from
United States -
Christian és portugues? já agora, de que região és? não leves a mal as perguntas, mas não é muito comum encontrar alguém em portugal com paixão pelo River
Posted from
Portugal -
Paulo, no soy portugues, vivo en los ee.uu. Puedes hablar espanol?
Posted from
United States -
ok. pero mi espanol no es mui bueno
Posted from
Portugal -
We scraped through Christian, but we had 8 1st team players out, Werder Bremen will provide a sterner test for us, I think i’m going to Germany for the away leg, can’t wait!
Getting to the final will be tough, but it’s in Manchester, so lots of incentive to get there!Posted from
United Kingdom
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