River Plate Faces a Calm Yet Focused Return After the Superclásico
Martín Demichelis granted the squad two days off following the Superclásico, and upon resuming training, the coach is already sizing up the next objective. River Plate has enjoyed a notably tranquil spell this semester after clinching a dramatic 2-0 victory over Boca Juniors at La Bombonera. The on-pitch clash settled a long-standing dispute between Demichelis and the refereeing crew, paving the way for a clear target: triumph in the Professional League Cup, the sole prize within reach for the club in 2023.
STRONG TAKEAWAYS FROM RIVER PLATE S SUPERCLÁSICO WIN
The Millionaire must resist the urge to celebrate too long and instead maintain the discipline shown after the win. Next on the agenda is a match that could further cement their position in the league, ahead of a clash against their traditional rivals in the Professional League tournament that commenced several months ago. The venue remains the same iconic stadium, with the next game slated for Sunday at 4 45 PM local time.
In appreciation for the Boca victory, Demichelis arranged two days of rest. When the squad returned to the River Camp on Wednesday, there was positive news for the squad as both Enzo Pérez and Nacho Fernández reported no lingering pains and trained normally, putting them in contention for the upcoming league fixture.
Regarding the starting lineup, the coach could repeat the victorious formation, though alterations on the wings remain a possibility. Enzo Díaz could rejoin the lineup, while Aliendro continues as an important option off the bench. Salomón Rondón may persist as the primary striker given his recent form and fresh goal-scoring momentum.
RIVER PLATE NOW CALLED TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY
If no new issues arise, the only likely absentee is Jonathan Maidana, who has not yet fully recovered from an injury that has limited his minutes for an extended period. Another talking point is Claudio Echeverri, who the coach brought back to reserve-grade action as he gears up for a potential role with Argentina’s under-17 squad in the World Cup later in the year. He is expected to be kept in reserve for the time being as the team focuses on the league campaign.
ANTICIPATED RIVER PLATE LINEUP
Should Demichelis opt to field the same side, the lineup would be Franco Armani, Andrés Herrera, Leandro González Pírez, Paulo Díaz, Milton Casco, Enzo Pérez, Nicolás De La Cruz, Manuel Lanzini, Nacho Fernández, Esequiel Barco, and Salomón Rondón in attack. This configuration mirrors the approach that earned the recent win and aims to maintain balance across defense and midfield while leveraging Rondón’s physical presence up front.
As the season unfolds, River Plate continues to balance domestic ambitions with the need to protect players from fatigue. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will determine whether they can secure the league cup and perhaps set the stage for further success in national and continental competitions. The supporters in Buenos Aires and fans watching across North America, including Canada and the United States, will be keen spectators as the club navigates this pivotal phase of the campaign, seeking to translate momentum into tangible silverware. The squad will rely on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and creative attacking play to sustain their push at the summit of the table. Goal reports