2024-09-25 21:37:34
River coach Marcelo Gallardo made history again after his return to the club, after his time in Saudi Arabia, achieving qualification for the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores for the sixth time.after beating Colo-Colo 1-0. This new feat He is once again among the most successful coaches on the continent, getting closer to the dream of lifting his third Libertadores after the titles obtained in 2015 and 2018.
Gallardo, who had already reached the semi-finals in 2017, 2019 and 2020, In addition to 2015 and 2018, when he was champion, he continues to demonstrate his ability to compete in the decisive stages of the tournament.. Although in 2017 they lost to Lanús and in 2020 to Palmeiras, the River coach remained in the memory of fans with the unforgettable victory in the 2018 final against eternal rival Boca, in Madrid, one of the most significant victories in the history of the club and football.
With this new classification, Gallardo achieved a record shared with Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolariwho reached the semi-finals six times, with Gremio, Palmeiras and Athletico Paranaense. This achievement also surpasses the record of the historic Carlos Bianchi, who reached this stage five times: four with Boca and one with Vélez.. However, The Viceroy can highlight his remarkable effectiveness, since, every time he reached the semifinals, he managed to advance to the final, and in most cases, become champion..
This clash between Gallardo and Bianchi fuels the rivalry between River and Bocawhile Gallardo adds more appearances in the semifinals, Bianchi is proud of his high level of effectiveness, with three titles won with the “Xeneize” (2000, 2001, 2003) and one with Vélez (1994). In addition, Virrey eliminated River in 2004, although it was unable to win the title in that edition, in which it lost on penalties to the Colombian team, Once Caldas.
The own Gallardo –who commented after qualifying against Colo Colo: “We completed a great week. Tremendous, a job that culminates in this series with a classic in the middle, a very nice feeling, of happiness” – He acknowledged on several occasions the legacy that Bianchi left in South American football, although every time he steps into the semifinals, The Doll continues to build his own legendIf he manages to lift the cup for the third time, he could further consolidate his place in the history of River and continental football, reaching a status comparable to that of the legendary Boca coach.