Apertura 2009: River Plate 0 – 1 Lanús

By: Christian | November 2nd, 2009

Despite a renewed sense of optimism in recent weeks, River Plate succumbed to their old ways yesterday as they fell 1-0 at home to Lanús.

Prior to the match, River were rocked by the news that Ariel Ortega had left the team on Saturday night after telling coach Leo Astrada that he was in no condition to play against Lanús. Ortega cited a recent poor run of form and personal issues as the reasons for leaving (he did not specifically mention his long battle with alcoholism), and he did not rule out the possibility of retiring from the game all together. It could very well be that Ortega has played his last game for la banda.

It is unknown whether Ortega’s loss affected River’s performance Sunday, but whatever the reason the squad took a step back after winning midweek against Argentinos. Though far from bad, los millonarios just looked lost, and with a crowded midfield, the offense could not get into a rhythm. Lanús took the lead in the 31st minute, and River were simply unable to find the equalizer, despite a brief, second half surge.

River’s main objective over the next seven fixtures will be to qualify for next year’s Copa Libertadores, but they are 10 points adrift of claiming the final qualifying spot, and looking forward they will now have to do without Matías Almeyda, who will miss River’s next game due to yellow card accumulation, as well as Ortega. They will next face a strong Newell’s Old Boys team in Rosario.

2009 Apertura Fixture 12
River Plate 0 – 1 Lanús

Scoring Summary:
Maximiliano Velázquez (L), 31st

River Plate:
Daniel Vega
Paulo Ferrari, Gustavo Cabral, Nicolás Sánchez, Cristian Villagra
Nicolás Domingo, Matías Almeyda, Matías Abelairas, Gustavo Bou, Diego Buonanotte
Marcelo Gallardo

Substitutions:
Mauro Rosales for Bou, 46th
Mauro Díaz for Villagra, 56th
Andrés Ríos for Gallardo, 69th