Leonardo Ponzio Rewards River Plate Squad with Day Off After Dramatic Win Over Atlético Tucumán

Ponzio Grants Rest Day Following Tucumán Travel and Rain

The fixture in Tucumán proved physically demanding due to a heavy pitch affected by rain, according to post-match comments reported by outlets covering the event.

With the next fixture scheduled for Saturday against Huracán at the Estadio Monumental, the coaching staff has a full week to organize tactical adjustments. Ponzio emphasized that the team will utilize the long training weeks ahead to address defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set pieces, which he identified as a primary weapon for opponents in the Argentine league.

Match Turning Points and Late Heroics from Thiago Almada

The encounter saw high drama early when Atlético Tucumán was reduced to ten men after Franco Nicola received a red card in the 12th minute for a challenge on Lucas Martínez Quarta, as noted by TN. Despite the numerical advantage, River had to work tirelessly.

While Clever Ferreira later equalized for the hosts, 19-year-old playmaker Thiago Almada delivered the decisive blow with a stoppage-time goal following intricate build-up play in the penalty area.

Injury Updates on Andrada and Galván

Concerns regarding physical setbacks for key players were addressed directly by the technical staff after the final whistle. Ponzio assured supporters that the substitutions of both Andrada and Tomás Galván were precautionary measures rather than serious injuries. According to the manager’s post-match press conference, Andrada sustained a dead leg (paralítica) in the first half, while Galván experienced minor ankle discomfort.

The squad will reconvene at Ezeiza to begin fine-tuning their approach ahead of the weekend clash against Huracán, aiming to maintain their momentum inside the playoff qualification zones of the Torneo Clausura.