Photo: Osvaldo Fantón
River decisively resolved a difficult match against Barracas Central, with the 2-0 victory, the first they have obtained after two games in zone A of the Professional League Cup.
Colombian Miguel Borja and youth player Agustín Ruberto, with their first goal in the first division, scored for Martín Demichelis’ team.
With this success, River reached 4 points in its zone and was two behind the leader Independiente (6). Meanwhile, Barracas, who tied with Vélez in the debut, still has not won.
Despite the large number of casualties, including transferred, loaned and injured players, River faced a commitment that was demanding because Barracas spared no effort to win the match.
Forcefulness was a key factor for River to obtain victory at the moment it needed it most, after a hesitant debut against Argentinos that generated more doubts in an adverse context with a decimated squad.
The first half had a dynamic game, where both had goal situations. River had an erratic finish from Nacho Fernández, on a counter generated by Esequiel Barco, in his 100th game with the “millionaire” jersey, and a shot from the youth Franco Mastantuono that went over the crossbar.
Barracas, who attacked from the right sector of River’s defense, responded with shots from Lucas Brochero and Rodrigo Herrera. In both, especially in Herrera’s attempt, Franco Armani excelled with his saves.
With a midfield without an owner, the game became entertaining. Barracas played River as an equal, with great physical wear and tear that he felt as the minutes passed. Alejandro Orfila’s team gradually retreated into their field and River, with a good job from Nicolás Fonseca in the middle, gained prominence.
Photo: Osvaldo Fantón
The best of River came at the feet of the young Mastantuono, who made his debut last Sunday in the draw against Argentinos at the Monumental. At 16 years, 5 months and 17 days, number “30” played his first starting game and displayed the best version of him when he started.
River’s clearest chance, in the agony of the first half, was on the head of Nacho Fernández. A shot by Barco generated a long rebound from goalkeeper Sebastián Moyano and the former Gimnasia La Plata, with the goal at his disposal, sent the ball to the crossbar.
The second half became more even on the hot night in Lanús, where Barracas played home, while their stadium was being renovated.
“Guapo” stood better through the deployment of Siro Rosané, his best player, who was encouraged with a mid-distance shot that demanded Armani in the 18th minute.
When Barracas was worrying with the entry of the mobile Maximiliano Zalazar, River found the goal with Borja’s header. The Colombian had his first clear situation with a great execution by Barco on a free kick and he did not miss. Minutes later, with the entry of Ruberto, Borja gained confidence and strengthened River’s attack.
Barracas went for the tie shortly after and Armani avoided it in the face of consecutive attempts by the entered Adrián Cantero and Alexis Domínguez. On the other hand, River did not forgive Ruberto, who only took two games for his debut in the network. Aliendro’s pressure took effect and the U-17 World Cup scorer took a cross shot that was impossible for Moyano.
Nonetheless, River played with solvency, drew his first smile in the League Cup and stepped firmly in search of his best football version.
On the next date, River will host Vélez, while Barracas will play as a visitor against Riestra.
2024-02-01 03:01:00
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