Copa Libertadores: River Plate 2 - 0 Universidad Católica

By: Christian | March 26th, 2008

river plate 2 uc 0

River did just enough to secure their 3rd straight win in the Copa at the Monumental tonight, defeating Chilean side Universidad Católica 2-0, and leaving them atop Group 5 with 9 points.

An absolute blunder in the 37th second gave River a shock early lead, when Católica keeper José Buljubasich literally dropped the ball right in front of Radamel Falcao who easily kicked it into the net. Los millonarios again had a solid outing in the first half, with Villagra, Buonanotte, and even Abreu all looking strong.

But we’ve seen many times this season, it was another story in the second half. While River were clearly trying to maintain their 1 goal lead, they looked more sloppy and disinterested than confident, and with Católica turning in an even less inspiring performance, limiting their attack to off-target shots from 30 yards out and almost no passing game, the match turned into a bit of a snooze. El Loco Abreu was able to get the crowd on its feet in the 71st minute when his strike gave River the lead, and despite one or two chances from Católica, both expertly saved by Carrizo, la banda were able to secure a deserved and vital victory.

On paper, this year’s edition of River looks solid; only 2 goals allowed in the league, and a 3-1 record in the Copa. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters going forward are the results and River seem to be getting them. Yet I still have a few reservations about the team, especially in looking at their recent matches. In games against Estudiantes, Racing, and América, River seem to be missing early chances, and as the minutes pass, their quality of play seems to diminish. While it has served them well so far, a deflected pass here or there could have meant the difference between a draw and a win, and I wonder about River’s luck going forward.

What matters now is to gain ground in the league and to advance to the knockout stages, and the team for its part has done just that, not by playing the most attractive football, but, with a little luck, doing just enough to get things done. As I stated above, I understand playing behind the ball to secure the lead; I just want to see it done with a bit more control and precision. Confidence wise, the team is getting stronger, with Buonanotte and Villagra improving each week, and even Abreu and Cabral, two new incorporations who have struggled in their new roles, seem to be slowly adjusting. If the team can remain healthy and grow under Simeone, then perhaps this could very well be our year. But make no mistake, there is still a lot of football left.

Next, it’s down to Sarandí to face Arsenal in the league.

River Plate
Juan Pablo Carrizo
Paulo Ferrari, Gustavo Cabral, Eduardo Tuzzio (Danilo Gerlo, 52nd), Cristian Villagra
Oscar Ahumada (Leonardo Ponzio, 43rd), Matias Abelairas
Mauro Rosales, Diego Buonanotte, Radamel Falcao (Nicolás Domingo, 55th)
Sebastián Abreu