River Plate Concentration in Pilar: Ponzio’s Plan for Clausura Playoffs and Youth Call-ups

River Plate is currently undergoing a 48-hour mini-camp at the Hilton hotel in Pilar ahead of its Torneo Clausura playoff opener against Lanús on Sunday, November 22, at 19:00 local time, as reported by La Página Millonaria.

Leonardo Ponzio’s side faces mounting pressure to secure the Clausura title, which serves as the team’s remaining pathway to qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores.

Failing to qualify would leave the team watching the continental tournament from the outside for the second year, following 11 straight participations from 2015 to 2025, which would severely impact the club both competitively and financially, compounded by the nearly 70 million dollars invested by Di Carlo’s board in world-class stars during the last transfer window and the pressure from Boca Juniors recently lifting the Liga Profesional championship trophy.

Clarin.com noted that the exact kickoff date for the match against Lanús initially carried minor scheduling debates—with the club pushing for Friday, November 20, though Sunday, November 22 gained traction—before the fixture was officially locked in.

Ponzio previously experienced this method as captain and symbol of Marcelo Gallardo’s side that captured 14 titles in eight years, utilizing the exact same approach for decisive matches such as the 2015 Copa Libertadores semifinals and finals, and repeatedly from the round of 16 against Racing up to the final against Boca in Madrid during the 2018 Copa Libertadores.

The interim coach also utilized such retreats during Matías Almeyda’s tenure when the team fought for promotion to the Primera.

Ponzio Calls Up Youth Keepers

Taking advantage of the international window, Ponzio added youth-team goalkeepers Dylan Martínez and Francisco Vidal to the senior training group in Pilar, according to La Página Millonaria. Both players are gaining their first extended exposure outside of the Reserva squad and are vying for a position currently elusive to recent promotions like Jeremías Martinet and Franco Jaroszewicz.

Martínez, born on April 30, 2008, in Moreno, signed his first professional contract with River Plate in March 2025, running through December 2027, and previously represented the Argentina Under-17 team at the South American championship. Vidal, 18, arrived from Club Deportivo Atalaya in January 2024 and currently participates without a professional contract, having previously completed two training concentrations under the duple Diego Barrado and Matías Abelairas.

The coaching staff elected to keep several other youngsters—including Tobías Andrada, Santiago Espíndola, and Lautaro Pereyra—in Pilar rather than releasing them to Under-20 duties, ensuring additional depth during senior training sessions.

Technical Staff Evaluate Injured Midfielders Vera and Moreno

TyC Sports reported that the training camp allows the technical staff to evaluate injured midfielders Fausto Vera and Aníbal Moreno. Vera is nearing the end of his recovery from a right hamstring tear sustained on October 18 against Belgrano at the Kempes stadium, having exceeded 23 days since the injury. Before that fixture, Vera had played 100% of the minutes under Ponzio’s cycle, though his continuity at the club remains dependent on these playoffs since he is on loan from Atlético Mineiro until the end of the year with a 4.5 million dollar purchase option.

Meanwhile, Moreno continues working through lumbar discopathy, a condition that limited him to just one match and a few minutes since Ponzio’s arrival, though he remains the preferred starter when at full fitness.

Another player recovering is 18-year-old Juan Cruz Meza, who sustained a right hamstring tear during the Superclásico and will reach the compulsory three-week recovery mark around the weekend of the round of 16. Without either starter confirmed to return, Lucas Gabriel Silva is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven.

To preserve competitive rhythm, River will host Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata in a closed-door friendly match at the Estadio Monumental on Saturday morning, as detailed by infobae and Olé.

More on this story: River vs. Lanús: Tentative Date, Schedule, and River's Request for Clausura Playoffs

More on River Plate: River Plate Evaluates Futures of Players Currently on Loan · River Plate Defeats Aldosivi 2-0 in Mar del Plata · D'Onofrio's Remarks on AFA Management Spark Tension at River Plate