River Plate, after a promising run between mid-April and May, appears too have lost its stride. The team’s recent performance has raised concerns, notably after their elimination from the Apertura tournament by Platense and a lackluster showing against Universitario de Perú.

• Apertura Exit: River Plate was eliminated by Platense.
• Núñez Draw: A 1-1 draw against Universitario de Perú at El Monumental.
• Club World Cup Concerns: The team’s performance has cast doubts ahead of the Club World Cup.

The 1-1 draw at el Monumental against Universitario, while securing a spot in the eighth final, was celebrated by the Peruvian side as a triumph. For River Plate, already classified and in first place, the match left a pale image concerning their prospects for the Club World Cup, set to begin in less than three weeks.

Adding to the disappointment, River Plate missed the prospect to secure the second-best position behind Palmeiras, which would have granted them home advantage in the second leg of decisive matches.

Self-Inflicted Wounds and Defensive Lapses

River plate struggled to maintain control, exhibiting a tendency to autoboicote. Defensive failures proved costly, reminiscent of earlier months when the team struggled to string together consistent performances and create goal-scoring opportunities. This regression was particularly evident in the second half against Universitario, where River Plate failed to break down a well-organized and compact defense.

River returned back in the game. And when I had everything to spend a quite night, He returned to autoboicote. He had a few minutes in which he went down his guard and committed defensive failures paid.

Dependence on Youthful Talent

River Plate’s offensive efforts often hinged on the contributions of Franco Mastantuono. Despite having possession, River lacked clarity and struggled to penetrate Universitario’s defense. The team’s reliance on Mastantuono was evident,as he consistently created opportunities with his skillful left foot.

Is that River had the ball and looked but did it without clarity. Even there were moments when the ball was taken off with balls that were easily returned by Riveros, the University of University, who took out everything. And sinned in not looking for Franco Mastantuono as I had done in the first half.

Mastantuono’s performance in the first half showcased his potential, justifying his recent call-up to the national team.He consistently generated plays, executed precise passes, and created a one-on-one opportunity for Sebastián Driussi, which narrowly missed the mark.

The team’s strategy of focusing play on the right sector, involving Mastantuono, Nacho Fernández, and Driussi, proved ineffective against the Peruvian defense. River Plate struggled to find the decisive breakthrough.

Goal and Subsequent Collapse

River Plate did manage to open the scoring through a goal initiated by a cross from marcos Acuña, finding ‘Nacho’ Fernández, whose shot rebounded off the goalkeeper Britos, allowing Colidio to capitalize. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR for a potential offside, but ultimately ratified.

But the doll team was not lucid to pierce the Peruvian bolt. Than, the goal chances succeeded the droppers. Actually, the opening of the score arrives through a centre of Marcos Acuña that he found only ‘Nacho’ for the second stick and after the auction of the experienced steering wheel and the rebound of goalkeeper Britos, Colidio, sent her to keep.

Though, the lead did not bring the expected tranquility. A foul by Pezzella near their own area allowed Universitario to capitalize. Jairo Concha scored with a powerful strike,leveling the score just before halftime.

But Pezzella did a meaningless foul and the Uruguayan team Jorge Fossati He took advantage of it. They did not throw it into the area, but they moved it to Jairo Concha That at all solitude and on his 26th birthday he took out a bombing that vibrated Armani, just before the first half ended.

Second-Half Struggles and Missed Opportunities

in the second half, Marcelo Gallardo’s substitution of Lanzini for Fernández failed to ignite the midfield. River Plate struggled to find rhythm, and the introduction of Miguel Borja did little to improve their attacking threat. The team appeared disoriented, leaving defensive gaps that Universitario nearly exploited.

As the minutes ticked away, Universitario’s goalkeeper Britos faced fewer challenges compared to the first half. The match concluded with river Plate’s fans expressing their disappointment, while Universitario celebrated their historic qualification.

The game left and River said goodbye to the Monumental with indifference, while University players celebrated a historic classification.