After an awkward yet pivotal victory over Boca that sharpened his leadership, the millionaire coach had a full week to ready his squad for the upcoming trek to Cordoba. The team was focused on a steady buildup, knowing that a successful away result could solidify their standing as the season pressed forward.
The tension from River’s heavy Libertadores loss to Fluminense faded when a critical moment during the Superclásico shifted the mood. A fumbled penalty by Agustín Sández against Pablo Solari opened the door for Miguel Borja to score in a 1-0 win over their archrivals, a result that instantly reset the club’s narrative and boosted morale ahead of the league schedule.
With the win over Xeneize, the squad moved closer to the top of the Professional League table and was given a full week to prepare calmly for the upcoming clash against Talleres. That match would take place on the following Sunday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. local time on the field at Mario Kempes Stadium, a venue known for its passionate atmosphere and challenging surroundings for visiting teams.
THE CALL OF RIVER VS. WORKSHOP
The dramatic finish to the clásico left Martín Demichelis with a clear picture of personnel changes for the trip to Córdoba. Three players received red cards in the sequence that ended the match, Agustín Palavecino, Elias Gomez and Ezequiel Centurion all suspended after the red card spectacle. This opened the door for Franco Petroli to step in as the rotation option for the squad’s travel roster, providing Demichelis with a flexible choice in central midfield coverage and strategic depth on game day.
Additionally, Nacho Fernandez, Nicolás De la Cruz and Lucas Beltrán reported muscular discomfort but, after a focused couple of days, all three returned to normal training and were cleared to participate in the upcoming match. Their readiness reinforced the depth the squad could lean on as the competition intensified, and their presence offered Demichelis a range of tactical options for Sunday’s formation and pressing patterns.
Meanwhile, Paul Diaz, who had been left out of the matchday squad for the Superclásico despite training with the group in the final stretch, was set to rejoin the collective as the team prepared for the journey to Córdoba. His return provided another reliable option at the back and allowed for greater stability in defensive transitions during a demanding away assignment.
THE WORKOUT OF RIVER VS. WORKSHOP
From a tactical standpoint, the suspensions resulting from the Boca game were not expected to complicate the setup for Demichelis. None of the suspended players were in the starting XI slated for the upcoming clash, and with Nacho, DLC and Beltrán all deemed fit, the assessment of the likely lineup remained straightforward. The base plan suggested a familiar spine, with a slight adjustment anticipated on the back line due to the absence of a familiar partner for the central trio. The coaching staff appeared ready to rotate in a trusted member in the central defense pairing, ensuring solidity while maintaining balance in wide areas and the midfield engine room.
The probable lineup was outlined as follows: Franco Armani in goal; Milton Casco at right back, with Paul Diaz or Emanuel Mammana pairing in central defense alongside Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Enzo Diaz providing width on the flanks. In midfield, Rodrigo Aliendo and Enzo Perez were expected to anchor the engine room, supporting a through line of Nicolás De la Cruz, Ignacio Fernandez and Enzo Barco in the attacking midfield slots, with Lucas Beltrán leading the forward line and offering a reference point and pressing presence up top.
As the week progressed, the coaching staff emphasized a balanced approach: solid organization without sacrificing aggression in the pressure phases. The emphasis remained on preserving energy, refining ball circulation, and maintaining sharpness in the final third, where a single moment can determine the outcome of a tense contest away from home.