There was a day when River Plate proved it is made of iron

That Sunday in June, it showed itself and others that not even the most feared moment would bring it down. With the relegation still fresh and the Monumental stadium confused amidst tears, chaos, and violence, it swore to come back.

The rebuilding mission pushed away the complaints and the search for culprits.

Club legends like Matías Almeyda, who took over as coach, and players Fernando Cavenaghi and David Trezeguet helped process the grief.

The second division appeared like the unknown dimension. Rustic pitches, leaky locker rooms, longer trips. Teeth clenched above their possession-based style. The mantra "Today we have to win, today we have to win." Only in the final match did they achieve promotion. They fulfilled the law of nerves. They returned to the top division after a 38-match campaign. They won 20, drew 13, and lost five. They scored 66 goals and conceded 28.

Then Argentine football was the same again. They recovered the superclásico against Boca Juniors and reaffirmed the passion that moves that red and white shirt. "To live again," greeted the local press, highlighting their resilience. River recognized itself as a more supportive team.

Back in the first division in 2012, they had ups and downs. Almeyda left six months later. Ramón Díaz arrived and navigated through turbulent times with the protective shield of being one of the most successful coaches. In June 2013, they finished second in the tournament won by Newell's Old Boys, but six months later they ended the year in 17th place. They silenced the fear with the domestic title. A triumph befitting their history and the football they represent: 37 points (five ahead of second-placed Boca) with 11 wins, four draws, and four losses.

Ramón also departed. Marcelo Gallardo, a champion as player in the 1996 Libertadores, took charge. He extended River's dominance to the continent. They won the Copa Sudamericana. They declared themselves as favorites in this Copa, although they had a slow start. In the following stages, they rebuilt the team with Johnatan Maidana in defense, with Matías Kranevitter playing the role of the best Javier Mascherano, and with Rodrigo Mora and Teo Gutiérrez sharp to score goals.

As finalists, they continued the tradition of winning finals played at home. They defeated Tigres 3-0 at the Monumental. They lifted their third Copa Libertadores. It was demanded by their history, and they delivered. River is made of iron.