The millionaire slipped two points in Liniers, creating a direct rival in the title race, yet his focus remains on the pivotal Libertadores campaign ahead.
River Plate faced a valuable opportunity this Monday to stretch a growing advantage, but a draw with Vélez at the end of the weekend condensed the moment into a missed chance to condemn San Lorenzo to defeat. Although a six-point gap persists, the path ahead is packed with decisive fixtures in the second half of the season, including a must-win clash with Fluminense that would keep their Copa Libertadores ambitions alive and well.
Before that continental test, River returns to the Monumental to host their direct challenger in the domestic championship: on Saturday at 4:30 pm they will square off with Defensa y Justicia, a team that arrives on the back of a home draw with Racing and currently sits in fifth place with 11 points, eager to narrow the gap.
THE RIVER SQUAD UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Following the draw at Liniers, coach Martín Demichelis adjusted his routine, granting the squad Tuesday as a day off. When the team reconvenes at River Camp, the emphasis will be on evaluating players who have been sidelined by injury, with Enzo Díaz already ruled out due to a knee sprain.
Enzo Pérez remains a question mark as he serves a suspension for accumulating three yellow cards, while synovitis complicates Enzo Pérez’s and Paul Díaz’s timelines. Emmanuel Mamana also faces knee issues, threatening his availability for the next match. The coach may consider bringing Claudio Echeverri back into the fold after he sat on the bench against Vélez without taking the field.
RIVER’S TACTICAL OUTLOOK
With a midweek cup clash against Flu approaching next Wednesday, the idea is to balance the lineup by resting some regulars who have been most relied upon, including Nicolás De La Cruz, Nacho Fernández, Milton Casco, and Rodrigo Aliendro. There is room to reinstate Enzo Pérez into the starting group if conditions permit, turning the midfield into a more compact, control-focused unit for the demanding schedule ahead.
Defensively, several central backs are managing knocks, which opens the door for Jonathan Maidán to claim a starting berth while Solomon Rondon could earn another chance to compete for the goal line. The backline’s stability will be crucial as the team navigates a schedule heavy with crucial league fixtures and the looming Libertadores ties that demand consistent performance.
KEY QUESTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
As the team methodically works through injuries and a tight calendar, questions linger about squad balance, rotation, and the ability to translate domestic form into continental success. The clash with Defensa y Justicia represents a test not just for three points, but for the mental resilience required to maintain momentum across competitions. The staff will be looking for ways to preserve energy, minimize risk, and keep the squad ready for a high-stakes encounter against Flu and the pressures of an extended season.
In this moment, the club is steering toward a strategy that blends experience with opportunity for younger players who have waited for their chance to impact important matches. The outcome of this weekend’s duel will serve as a barometer for how Demichelis plans to balance immediate results with the longer Libertadores road ahead.
Note: The team’s tactical setup remains flexible, with the potential for changes in formation and personnel depending on fitness updates and the tactical read of Defensa y Justicia. The fanbase will be watching closely to see how the squad adapts under pressure and whether the depth that has long been discussed translates into tangible benefits on match day.
– End of report