Day off for River squad after Superclásico defeat | OneFootball

River continues its bad streak this semester, and after losing 2-0 to Boca in the Superclásico, it got even worse, as the team has now suffered eight defeats in its last 11 appearances. As a result, their chances of qualifying for the Libertadores through the annual table have become complicated.

After this tough defeat, the Millonario’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, decided to give the squad the day off, so the players will have Monday free and will only return to training on Tuesday afternoon, to prepare for the match against Vélez at the José Amalfitani.

This decision by ‘Muñeco’ is a common one after every match, as the players are usually given the next day off, so they can rest at home and return in optimal condition for training ahead of the next game.

Even though this is a typical measure taken by the coach, River fans were not happy about it, as they are upset with the team’s current form, having won only 2 of the last 11 matches, and being eliminated from both the Copa Argentina and the Copa Libertadores in the process.

Additionally, their anger was fueled by the players’ statements, as after the defeat to Xeneize, Franco Armani and Lucas Martínez Quarta said that they would get through this tough period by working hard, so fans did not like the idea of the squad getting a day off.

Looking ahead to the match against Vélez, River is waiting to find out the schedule for the final round, which will be announced after the conclusion of matchday 15 of the Torneo Clausura. This will determine their final position in Group B, as well as their place in the annual table, with an eye on the 2026 Libertadores.

For this match against the Fortín, Gallardo will have to make at least four changes compared to the team that lost to Boca, as he will not only be missing players due to suspensions, but also due to national team call-ups and injuries.

River’s absences against Vélez

Upon returning to training, Gallardo will have to plan a starting XI with at least four changes. Both Lucas Martínez Quarta and Marcos Acuña have received their fifth yellow card, so they will have to serve a one-match suspension against the Fortín.

On the other hand, Maxi Meza suffered a patellar tendon injury, which will require three months of recovery, so he will not be available. Finally, Colombian Kevin Castaño has been called up to the Colombian national team, so he will also not be available to the coach.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.