Clausura 2009: River Plate 3 – 1 Tigre

By: Christian | June 17th, 2009

The season may be over, but after a convincing 3-1 victory over Tigre this past Saturday at the Monumental, River Plate left an impression that better times may indeed be ahead for the embattled club. Overall, it was the most complete performance from River in quite some time.

Things got off on the wrong foot with Tigre scoring an early goal in the first minute. But unlike previous fixtures this season, River not only found the determination to fight back, but more importantly, were able to hold on to their lead, with goals from Flores, Falcao, and Fabbiani.

It would be pointless to analyze what this victory means in the context of a season that has been over for weeks; with most everyone at the club focused on the upcoming Apertura, the win was important for what it suggested could lie ahead for el millo.

Such hope was embodied by Cristian Fabbiani, who had a solid day on the pitch. In past weeks, el Ogro has let his mouth and not his feet speak for him, but Saturday he looked sharp, mentally focused, and in better spirits after what to this point can only be described as a disappointing season. Watch his playful goal celebration below to see just how relaxed he is now.

Can River build on this win for next season? They certainly have a long mountain to climb if they are to regain their rightful status atop the Primera table, but perhaps this win can be the start of better times at the Monumental. Next week, it’s off to face Godoy Cruz. Only two fixtures remain before this season finally comes to and end.

2009 Clausura Fixture 17
River Plate 3 – 1 Tigre

Scoring Summary:
Leandro Lazzaro (T), 1st
Robert Flores (RP), 39th
Radamel Falcao (RP), 62nd
Cristian Fabbiani (RP), 87th

River Plate:
Mario Daniel Vega
Paulo Ferrari, Nicolás Sánchez, Danilo Gerlo, Lucas Orban
Diego Barrado, Nicolás Domingo;
Augusto Fernández, Robert Flores, Rodrigo Archubi
Cristian Fabbiani

Substitutions:
Radamel Falcao for Barrado, 56th
Martín Galmarini for Fernández, 71st
Erik Lamela for Flores, 79th

Highlights