Coudet’s River Plate Hits Fourth Straight Win With Dominant 3-0 Victory Over Belgrano

The atmosphere at the Monumental has shifted. For a club still processing the end of Marcelo Gallardo’s second cycle, the arrival of Eduardo Coudet has provided more than just a tactical change—it has provided an immediate spark. River Plate continued its rapid ascent on Sunday, securing a commanding 3-0 win over Belgrano de Córdoba in the Torneo Apertura, marking the fourth consecutive victory for the “Millonario” under their new manager.

This isn’t just a hot start; it is a historic one. According to club records, River Plate has not seen a manager commence their tenure with four straight wins since Reinaldo Carlos Merlo achieved the feat in 1989. For the fans in Buenos Aires, the efficiency of Coudet’s early era is beginning to outweigh the lingering shadows of the previous regime.

The Breakthrough: Galván and the Youth Revolution

Whereas the scoreline suggests total dominance, the narrative of the match was driven by the emergence of new talent. The victory was defined by the performance of Tomás Galván, who netted his first two goals for the club. Galván’s impact represents the “youth revolution” that has captured the imagination of the supporters, signaling a shift toward integrating academy products into the first team’s core.

The reliance on youth is a calculated risk that is paying off. Coudet emphasized that the team’s ability to generate numerous scoring situations is a direct result of the work put in during a recent 15-day training block. By trusting the youngsters, Coudet is not only refreshing the roster but also altering the team’s dynamic on the pitch.

Colidio’s Return to Form

Beyond the youth surge, the match provided a critical moment of redemption for Facundo Colidio. The forward, who had been facing increasing resistance from critics and had not found the back of the net since June, finally returned to the scoresheet. Colidio’s goal was a vital release of pressure for a player who has struggled for consistency.

Coudet was quick to defend his attacker, noting that internal competition is the primary driver for elevating individual levels. “Me pone contento, independientemente de quién haga los goles, que podamos ir creciendo a nivel individual y que podamos mejorar,” Coudet stated, highlighting that the collective growth of the squad is more key than any single player’s statistics.

Tactical Evolution and Standing

The 3-0 result is a reflection of a team finding its identity. Prior to this match, River had displayed efficiency—scoring two goals in each of their first three games—but the overall fluency of their play was still a point of contention. Against Belgrano, that gap closed. The team played what has been described as the best match of Coudet’s short tenure, showing a level of cohesion and threat that had previously been lacking.

This victory consolidates River’s position at the top of the table. They currently sit as the “escolta” (runners-up) in Group B, trailing only Independiente Rivadavia. The momentum is undeniable, and the pressure is now shifting from the coaching staff to the opposition.

Coudet’s Philosophy: Adaptation and Work

Despite the euphoria surrounding the win streak, Eduardo Coudet remains grounded. He has avoided the trap of overconfidence, instead focusing on the necessity of adaptation. He noted that the team must be prepared for whatever challenges the schedule presents, emphasizing that the current success is a product of “time and work.”

The manager’s approach has been to foster an environment where players are pushed by their peers. By encouraging internal competition, Coudet is ensuring that no player becomes complacent, regardless of their status in the starting eleven. This mental shift has been instrumental in clearing the “clouds” left behind by the previous management.

What’s Next: A Trip to Bolivia

There is little time for celebration. River Plate must now pivot from domestic success to international competition. The squad travels to Bolivia this Wednesday for the start of the Copa Sudamericana, where they will face Blooming.

When asked if he would rotate the squad for the debut in the Sudamericana, Coudet remained elusive, asking for a moment to “enjoy a little” before returning home to finalize his plans. The upcoming match will be a true test of the squad’s depth and their ability to maintain this winning momentum in a challenging away environment.

Next Checkpoint: River Plate vs. Blooming, Copa Sudamericana (Wednesday, April 9, 2026).

Do you reckon Coudet’s youth revolution is the key to a title run, or is it too early to call? Let us know in the comments.