Marcelo Gallardo and his team lived a nightmare last week. On one hand, the 'millonario' team was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores after losing 1-0 on aggregate against Vélez Sarfield, and on the other hand, the Argentine team sadly said goodbye to two of its stars: Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez.
In the case of Álvarez, he was presented at Manchester City in front of a crowd of people alongside Erling Haaland this morning. Likewise, the 21-year-old midfielder, Enzo Fernández, already has his bags packed and will join his new club, Benfica, in the middle of next week.
YOU CAN SEE Julián Álvarez was presented at Manchester City in front of thousands of fans
However, these are not the only bad news that River received after being eliminated from the Copa. The transfer of Luis Suárez fell through, and the Colombian Borja has not reached an agreement with the club yet. There is no doubt that Vélez knocked out the 'millonario' not only on the field but also triggered a series of events that have made the 'Muñeco's' situation difficult.
Despite the tough moment, Gallardo must leave the past behind and focus on the remaining Argentine league matches. His first big test will be this afternoon when he faces Godoy Cruz at the Monumental de River at 6:30 pm (Peruvian time). Although River is the favorite on paper to take the 3 points, they will face a motivated Godoy Cruz team, who defeated Colón 1-0 in their last match.
Who are the replacements for Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández?
Although River's coach has some aces up his sleeve after the departure of two of his best players, the performance probably won't be the same. In the case of Fernández, the replacement will be: Rodrigo Aliendro, who started in the match against Vélez. Regarding Julián Álvarez, the situation is a bit more complicated since the City player left numbers that will be difficult to match. The Argentine striker scored 54 goals in 122 games and provided 31 assists. Therefore, Esequiel Barco would accompany Braian Romero in the attack.
What would River's lineup be against Godoy?
River's lineup would be as follows: Franco Armani, Milton Casco, Paulo Díaz, David Martínez, Elías Gómez, Enzo Pérez or Bruno Zuculini, Rodrigo Aliendro, Agustín Palavecino, Nicolás de la Cruz, Esequiel Barco, and Braian Romero.
When and where does River Plate play?
The team led by 'Muñeco' Gallardo will face Godoy Cruz on Sunday, July 10th, at 6:30 pm (Peruvian time).