RACING HEAVY START PROMPTS A COMEBACK
After a tough loss at La Bombonera and a draw with Flamengo, the Academy is set on a return to victory. They head into a cycle that has seen almost ten players unavailable, testing the depth and resilience of the squad.
For weeks the season has felt like a struggle, a period where things could not tilt in their favor. A heavier defeat would have threatened Fernando Gago’s position if it had come with a loss. The draw against Flamengo did not erase the pressure, but it did offer a brief reprieve, giving the team a chance to regroup. The challenge now is to gain momentum in the 2023 Professional League Tournament as soon as possible.
The next obstacle is Talleres, a top opponent whom River is determined not to let slip from the title chase, even if that goal remains distant. Talleres arrives after a 3-1 win over Central, collecting 24 points. The match is scheduled for Monday, May 8, at 7:30 PM, in the Cilindro stadium, a battlefield where every moment counts.
RACING IN FOCUS
Amid a string of uneven results, Fernando Gago has faced headaches of his own. He must lead the team against Talleres with seven regular starters unavailable, a tough reality as the season presses on.
Some players arrive carrying fatigue or niggling injuries after recent fixtures. Matias Rojas, Gonzalo Piovi, and Anibal Moreno could only complete 45 minutes against Flamengo. Jonathan Gomez and Maxi Romero are also carrying knocks, while Paolo Guerrero is nursing a knee issue. A suspension adds to the list with Juan Nardoni missing the match due to a red card in La Bombonera.
RACING SQUAD OUTLOOK
Even with one of the strongest rosters in Argentine football, a number of players are not fully ready. This forces tactical adjustments, particularly in midfield and at the battle line. The coaching staff must decide how to organize the eleven to confront the challenge ahead.
Expected to start are Maxi Moralez and Tomas Aviles in the middle, partnering Nicolas Reniero and Emiliano Saliadarre in the frontline. The confirmed lineup is still under discussion, but the configuration under consideration includes Gabriel Arias in goal; Facundo Mura, Leonardo Sigali, Emanuel Insua, and Gabriel Rojas in defense; Nicolas Oroz, Tomas Avilés, and Maximiliano Moralez in the engine room; and Gabriel Hauche, Nicolas Reniero, and Emiliano Saliadarre delivering the front line’s punch.
SCHEDULED CHANGES
The coach weighs several changes, balancing experience with fresh legs. The objective remains clear: improve results while maintaining a solid defensive shape and quick transitions in attack. The tactical plan aims to press high, control the tempo, and exploit spaces left by opponents when pressing becomes too heavy. This approach seeks to maximize the team’s quality in attack while preserving balance at the back.
ALTERNATE PLANS
Further adjustments could be necessary depending on match-day conditions, injuries, and the opponent’s approach. The coaching staff remains prepared to tweak the lineup to ensure that the squad is competitive through the 90 minutes and beyond. The goal is to rebuild confidence, secure points, and keep the title chase alive.
To confirm.