04/08/2024 09:12hs. Updated on 04/08/2024 20:41hs.
While River played with its mind on the return of Gallardo, the standout performer in the 0-0 match against Unión in Santa Fe was Unión’s goalkeeper, Thiago Cardozo. Nonetheless, the Núñez team broke a negative streak of two consecutive away losses and returned to accumulate points.
Although River, led by interim coach Marcelo Escudero, did not show overwhelming or lucid play despite having 65% possession, it created clear scoring opportunities that were spectacularly saved by the goalkeeping of the tatengue, who prevented two shots almost from inside the goal and thwarted two one-on-one situations with Borja by coming out ahead of the area.
The clearest chances for CARP being two headers from González Pirez and a shot off the crossbar from the same defender after a corner rebound illustrates that River’s offensive play generation was messy and sporadic, despite being a superior performance to that of the last matches of the Demichelis cycle.
Clearly, it was a transitional game for River, which was reflected in the team’s posture, especially in the first half: they had a slow and predictable ball distribution, except for actions like the one where Mastantuono missed a one-on-one with Cardozo after a great combination between Casco, Aliendro (who made the assist-header) and the young player, as well as in the play where Simón tried to finish with his instep – he was blocked – after Borja assisted him with a header at the penalty spot.
Mastantuono was River’s game-changer. He was the only player who accelerated and dribbled to break lines and even dropped back near the center circle to start attacks. Because Simón delivered the ball with precision and judgment but without being incisive. Because Aliendro surprised with his natural rotation of positions to appear on the right side, albeit without penetrating the area and, on some occasions, ending up poorly positioned during the retreat. Because Kranevitter continues to operate at a couple of gears lower than the rest. And because Solari collided with Unión’s defenders instead of bypassing them and Borja was less inspired than at other times this year and felt a couple of physical discomforts that sapped his energy.
In defense, the transition post-Demichelis and the return of Gallardo did not show as chronic deficiencies of River resurfaced, with the fullbacks Casco and Enzo Díaz overwhelmed and the center-backs Pirez and Paulo Díaz distracted by the ball instead of focusing on the recipients of crosses. In fact, one of the reasons Gallardo would not take the team after a loss was the ineffectiveness of Balboa, Morales, and Gamba to finish scoring chances. If anything, between a lateral from Milton to the middle and the subsequent foul by the Chilean on the edge of the area, they gifted Unión with a dangerously placed free-kick.
Aliendro was one of River’s standout performers against Unión (FOTOBAIRES).The half-full glass of River’s 0-0 in Santa Fe, during one of the most tumultuous times for the club in the last decade, was the value of the result against an opponent who had the chance to become the sole leader with a home win. Also, from a certain point of view, the Muñeco literally starts from scratch in his second term as coach at the Núñez club. With a lot to work on in a short time, but without the burden of another wound in the squad and among the fans before his return, just nine days away from his first decisive challenge, the away leg of the Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores against Talleres at the Kempes, in charge of a team without a collective playing identity or high individual performances in any of its lines. But you must believe, obviously, and have (Santa) faith.
The summary of Unión vs. River in the Liga Profesional
04/08/2024, 17:29
(VIDEO) The summary of the draw between Unión and River
River Plate –
The summary of the draw between Unión and River
04/08/2024, 16:55
The match has ended: Unión 0 – River 0
Mastantuono struggles with Pittón in Unión-River.04/08/2024, 16:38
33′ ST | The crossbar saved Unión
González Pirez took a rebound and, upon rearing back, unleashed a powerful right shot that was impossible for the goalkeeper. However, the shot struck the crossbar. The goal is denied to the Millonario.
04/08/2024, 16:25
20′ ST | Aliendro tried from long distance
Mastantuono dribbled and gathered rivals to then pass back to Aliendro, who unleashed a shot that went slightly high.
04/08/2024, 16:18
13′ ST | Second yellow card in River: Paulo Díaz
04/08/2024, 16:11
7′ ST | Unión had a clear chance
Adrián Balboa received the ball at the edge of the area and, after a half-turn, unleashed a powerful cross shot that went just wide. However, the play was ruled offside.
04/08/2024, 16:05
The second half has started between Unión and River!
04/08/2024, 15:47
End of the first half! Unión 0-0 River
No goals at halftime. (FOTOBAIRES)04/08/2024, 15:46
45′ PT | The referee added one minute
04/08/2024, 15:36
(VIDEO) The two clear chances River had to open the scoring
Unión –
Unión was saved twice
04/08/2024, 15:28
27′ PT | First booking in River: Enzo Díaz
04/08/2024, 15:25
24′ PT | Tremendous double save by Unión!
First, a header from Paulo Díaz hit the post and then goalkeeper Cardozo made a tremendous save from a ferocious shot after the rebound. Miraculously, it remains 0-0.
04/08/2024, 15:13
12′ PT | River was close again
The set piece almost brought joy to CARP: a cross to the head of González Pirez, who jumped higher than everyone and headed down to the left post of the goalkeeper, but Cardozo flew and just deflected it enough for it to hit the post.
04/08/2024, 15:11
10′ PT | Mastantuono almost scored River’s first
From a throw-in came the clearest play for the Millonario: Aliendro, with a header, set it up for the young 16-year-old, who arrived in the box and shot to the far post, but was not precise with his finish.
04/08/2024, 15:05
4′ PT | The first was for Unión
The hosts came close thanks to Balboa, who filtered between defenders and shot first time, but his shot went wide.
04/08/2024, 15:01
The match has begun!
Unión and River are already playing at the Estadio 15 de Abril. Follow it on Olé.
04/08/2024, 14:50
Unión’s warm-up before the match
04/08/2024, 14:40
Orsini, last-minute absence for Unión
The forward reported discomfort in the lower back area and will not be able to play against the Millonario.
04/08/2024, 14:30
Here comes Unión
Thiago Cardozo; Lautaro Vargas, Nicolás Paz, Miguel Torrén, Franco Pardo, Bruno Pittón; Mauro Pittón, Joaquín Mosqueira, Simón Rivero; Gonzalo Moralez and Adrián Balboa.
Unión’s lineup.04/08/2024, 14:15
Confirmed: River’s team in Santa Fe
Franco Armani; Milton Casco, Leandro González Pirez, Paulo Díaz, Enzo Díaz; Santiago Simón, Rodrigo Aliendro, Matías Kranevitter, Franco Mastantuono, Pablo Solari and Miguel Borja.
This is River’s lineup.04/08/2024, 14:10
(VIDEO) Unión’s victory in the last date
Liga Profesional –
The best of Unión 1 – Rosario Central 0
04/08/2024, 13:55
The last five matches of Unión
- Unión 1 – 0 Rosario Central | July 31 | Liga Profesional
- Racing 2 – 1 Unión | July 28 | Liga Profesional
- Estudiantes 0 – 0 Unión | July 21 | Liga Profesional
- Unión 2 – 1 San Lorenzo | June 15 | Liga Profesional
- Independiente Rivadavia 0 – 1 Unión | June 4 | Liga Profesional
04/08/2024, 13:25
(VIDEO) River’s victory against Sarmiento in Demichelis’ farewell
River Plate –
The summary of River’s victory against Sarmiento
04/08/2024, 12:50
The last five matches of River
- River 1 – 0 Sarmiento | July 28 | Liga Profesional
- Godoy Cruz 2 – 1 River | July 24 | Liga Profesional
- River 2 – 2 Lanús | July 21 | Liga Profesional
- Deportivo Riestra 2 – 0 River | June 13 | Liga Profesional
- River 3 – 1 Tigre | June 2 | Liga Profesional
04/08/2024, 12:20
The probable lineup of Unión
Thiago Cardozo; Lautaro Vargas, Nicolás Paz, Miguel Torrén, Franco Pardo, Bruno Pittón; Mauro Pittón, Joaquín Mosqueira, Simón Rivero; Nicolás Orsini and Adrián Balboa.
04/08/2024, 11:40
The probable eleven of River in Santa Fe
Franco Armani; Milton Casco or Santiago Simón, Leandro González Pirez, Paulo Díaz, Enzo Díaz; Felipe Peña Biafore, Nacho Fernández, Franco Mastantuono, Manuel Lanzini or Rodrigo Aliendro; Pablo Solari and Miguel Borja.
04/08/2024, 11:10
How is River arriving at the match against Unión?
After several days of rumors, Martín Demichelis left the coaching position. Since the Liga Profesional resumed, River has drawn with Lanús at the last minute, lost to Godoy Cruz, and narrowly defeated Sarmiento. This sealed Micho’s fate, who will be replaced by Marcelo Gallardo, who will not coach yet.
04/08/2024, 10:40
How is Unión arriving at the match against River?
The Tatengue, managed by Kily González, arrives at this match in second place in the league, just one point behind the leader, Huracán. The Santafesinos come from a 1-0 victory over Rosario Central at home and, in the current Liga Profesional, boast five wins, two draws, and one defeat.
04/08/2024, 10:05
Where to watch Unión vs. River in the Liga Profesional?
The match between Unión and River will be broadcast on ESPN Premium. You will also be able to follow the minute-by-minute on the Olé website, as always.
04/08/2024, 09:30
What time does Unión vs. River play in the Liga Profesional?
The match between the Tatengue and the Millonario will take place on Sunday, August 4, starting at 15:00 (Argentina time) at the Estadio 15 de Abril in the Province of Santa Fe.
04/08/2024, 09:00
River faces its first match after Demichelis’ departure
With Pichi Escudero on the substitutes’ bench, River will face Unión at the Estadio 15 de Abril for a match corresponding to the ninth date of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol. Follow the minute-by-minute on Olé.
Unión vs. River in the Liga Profesional.