After a tough defeat in the Copa Libertadores against Fluminense, Demichelis regrouped the squad and pushed forward with renewed intensity for the clash against Boca Juniors.
Just a week earlier River had entered the week with confidence, riding eight straight wins in the Professional League without conceding a goal. Yet the dream run was interrupted in Tucumán the day before the visit to Boca, and the sting from Fluminense still hung over the team in Núñez, draining some of the energy from the morale and spotlighting the fragility that followed a 5-1 hurdle in the continental arena.
The complete history of the Superclásico
In the wake of the setback in Brazil, the Millionaire shifted focus squarely to the upcoming duel with Xeneize, scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at 5 p.m. in the Monumental. The clash looms large, carrying the weight of a long-running rivalry that constantly tests both sides and offers a chance for redemption or confirmation of dominance.
THE CALL OF RIVER AGAINST MOUTH
The bounce from the defeat extends beyond the scoreboard. Traveling to Rio de Janeiro has left Martín Demichelis facing another hurdle as Emmanuel Mammana could not complete the match due to a knee issue. His availability for the big game is in question, while Paulo Díaz trained with the group and has not been ruled out following the muscle strain he sustained against Independiente.
On the flip side, Enzo Perez and Enzo Díaz are back in contention after missing the last league game due to yellow card suspension, adding experience and width to the squad options for the tactical plan against Boca.
THE WORKOUT OF RIVER AGAINST MOUTH
The major concern for Demichelis remains the selection of the starting eleven. The Chilean replacement options have shown encouraging form in recent displays, which opens the door to a potential call for Paulo Díaz if he is fit. If Díaz cannot participate, Mammana could partner Leandro González Pirez in central defense, providing a tested pairing or, if both are unavailable, a veteran Rojas with limited match rhythm or Maidana who endured a tough showing in the recent El Dean match might be asked to step in.
Another big decision centers on the attacking line. The coach must decide whether Lucas Beltrán should lead the attack alone or be supported by a second striker such as Miguel Borja or Salomón Rondón, depending on fitness and tactical intent for exploiting Boca’s defensive structure.
A probable lineup under consideration could feature Franco Armani in goal; Milton Casco, Leandro González Pirez, Paulo Díaz or Emanuel Mammana, Enzo Díaz in the back; Rodrigo Aliendro and Enzo Perez as the central midfield duo; Nicolás De la Cruz, Ignacio Fernández, and Esequiel Barco in the creative roles, with Lucas Beltrán as the focal point up front. The coach is weighing rhythm, balance, and the need to press Boca high while maintaining solidity at the back.
THE REPLACEMENTS OF RIVER
Decisions remain ongoing. The coaching staff is weighing a mix of experience and freshness, aiming to field a team capable of handling the intensity of one of football’s fiercest derbies while preserving options for the latter stages of the season. The outcome will hinge on fitness updates and the tactical read of Boca’s approach, with Dinamism in midfield and clinical finishing in the final third as key ingredients for success.