River Plate 2 – 0 Gimnasia (J)

It may not have been the most commanding performance we were all hoping to see, but River Plate got it done regardless for manager Diego Simeone in a 2-0 victory at the Monumental this afternoon to begin the 2008 Clausura.

A scrappy Gimnasia side gave River some trouble during the first half, and uneven performances from Ariel Ortega and Radamel Falcao did not leave a good impression going forward, leaving the scoreline 0-0 at the half. But a goal from Matias Abelairas put la banda ahead in the 48th minute, and despite some tense moments, a Paulo Ferrari goal in the 56th sealed the victory.

While River clearly did not impress overall on the day, a win is still a win, and this years squad, while still not functioning completely to its potential, is starting to get stronger. I’m seeing a much improved Cristian Villagra playing on the wing, and Alexis Sánchez continues to shine. And given that our other big 4 rivals dropped points over the weekend, Simeone should be please with his first league win in charge.

Next up for los millonarios, it’s off the Lima to begin group play in the Copa Libertadores to face Universidad San Martín Wednesday night.

Lineup:
Carrizo
Ferrari, Cabral, Tuzzio, Villagra
Ahumada, Abelairas
Rosales (Fernández), Ortega (Archubi), Sánchez (Buonanotte)
Falcao

Category: 08 Clausura

Tags: 08 Clausura, gimnasia, River Plate

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