A Tale of Two Welcomes: Coudet and Moreno Embraced, Acuña and Salas Booed as River Tames Racing

The atmosphere at the Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Perón—better known as the Cilindro de Avellaneda—is rarely neutral, but during the clash between Racing and River Plate on Saturday, it became a complex map of affection and resentment. As River secured a clinical 2-0 victory, the narrative extended beyond the scoreboard, centering on the reaction of the public toward Coudet and Moreno and the starkly different reception for other returning figures.

For those unfamiliar with the deep ties between these clubs, the “Cilindro” is a venue where history is never forgotten. The match, part of the 14th round of Zona B in the Torneo Apertura 2026, served as a homecoming for several individuals who once wore the Racing colors, resulting in a divided emotional temperature that mirrored the tension on the pitch.

The Result: River’s Clinical Efficiency

Before dissecting the crowd’s psychology, the sporting reality must be noted: River Plate dominated the key moments. Goals from Facundo Colidio and Sebastián Driussi sealed a 2-0 win for the visitors, who capitalized on defensive lapses from Gustavo Costas’ Racing side.

Despite a strong start from the home side—highlighted by a missed opportunity from Santiago Solari in the fifth minute that was smartly stopped by goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán—River gradually seized control. The midfield partnership of Aníbal Moreno and Fausto Vera proved pivotal, allowing the “Millonario” to dictate the tempo and force the errors that led to their two goals.

The Warm Welcome: Coudet, Moreno, and Quintero

The most striking element of the evening was the reverence shown to Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet. Returning to the dugout where he previously led Racing to the 2018–19 Argentine Primera División title, Coudet was met with ovations and applause from the home supporters. It was a rare moment of sporting grace, acknowledging a manager who left a lasting legacy in Avellaneda despite now leading their rivals.

This warmth extended to the pitch. Aníbal Moreno and Juanfer Quintero, both former Racing players, received visible displays of affection from the crowd. For the global viewer, this may seem counterintuitive, but in the passionate ecosystem of Argentine football, players who depart on quality terms or maintain a high level of professional respect often locate the doors of their former homes open, even in the heat of a rivalry.

The Cold Shoulder: Acuña and Salas

However, the “thermometer” of the Cilindro dropped precipitously for other returning figures. While Coudet was celebrated, Marcos “Huevo” Acuña and Maxi Salas were met with resounding reproaches. The pre-match buildup was marked by boos and whistles directed at the pair, signaling a bridge burned that no amount of current success could repair.

The contrast was stark: in the span of a few minutes, the same crowd that stood to honor Coudet’s tactical legacy used their voices to alienate Acuña and Salas. This dichotomy underscores the specific, often personal nature of loyalty and betrayal in the eyes of the Racing faithful.

Coudet’s Reflections: “A Difficult Pitch”

Following the match, Eduardo Coudet remained humble about the victory and the reception. He acknowledged the inherent difficulty of winning at the Cilindro, noting that the home crowd “pushes” the team and creates an oppressive environment for visitors.

“We didn’t start sharp; they are very physical,” Coudet remarked, specifically mentioning the challenge posed by Racing’s “Maravilla.” He emphasized that while River took three valuable points, there is still room for growth in their collective performance.

Coudet also touched upon his overarching philosophy for River Plate, stating his goal is to eliminate the disparity between home and away performances. “My objective is to be able to play the same way at home as I do away, and we are still missing a little bit of that,” he admitted, noting that the team feels significantly more comfortable at the Monumental.

Standings and the Road to the Superclásico

The victory is more than just a sentimental win for Coudet; it has significant implications for the Torneo Apertura 2026. River Plate now heads into the highly anticipated Superclásico as the escolta (runner-up/second place) of Zona B.

By securing these three points in a hostile environment, River has not only improved its standing but has gained psychological momentum. For Racing, the loss exposes vulnerabilities in the transition from defense to attack, which Gustavo Costas will demand to address quickly to remain competitive in the zone.

As the dust settles in Avellaneda, the focus shifts entirely to the Superclásico. River Plate arrives with the confidence of a team that can silence a crowd—or, in the case of “Chacho” Coudet, find a way to be loved by it even while defeating them.

Next Checkpoint: River Plate prepares for the Superclásico to determine the leadership of Zona B.

Do you think the crowd’s reaction to former players affects the momentum of a match? Let us know in the comments.