After the celebration, the millionaire song rang out in Monumental. “Muñeco, Muñeco, Muñeco…”, they all sing. They cried out for the emblematic, winning coach, who changed the mentality of river and in a few weeks he was able to transform the instability of the last phase of the Martín Demichelis cycle into a high degree of stability. So, with consistency, no brilliance, no surprises, the River of Marcelo Gallardo left a tough man on the road Colo Colo and reached its semi-finals Liberators obsessed with him.
Nacho Fernández explained it: “Galardo gave us a boost of energy to the players, to the people and to the whole club. Morale is very important. Having Marcelo here is great and we have to enjoy it.”
Colo Colo is more difficult than it seems. It’s just that River doesn’t seem to have much of a fantasy. Who would have thought that in Buenos Aires the leader of Chile would have 63% ownership? However, Gallardo’s team knows how to solve the series with order, concentration and opportunism. He thus achieved a classification close to what he deserved.
After the 1-1 in Santiago, worked hard and sometimes suffered, knowing that it will not be an easy development for River. That’s why Marcelo Gallardo’s hand was the key to choosing the interpreters. And just as the stamp of Muñeco was noticeable in the Superclásico last weekend at the Bombonera, the coach’s imprint also appeared in this quarter-final rematch at the Monumental.
Gallardo saw Facundo Colidio fly against Boca and gave him a chance: inside instead of the precocious talent Claudio Echeverri. And it was certainly Colidio who appeared to prevent a defensive inattention and solve the first class in the class. And this is not the only qualifying goal. Painful, worried…
Unlike what happened in Santiago, River had no fear in their place in the first half. All because Muñeco also got it right with the midfield setup. Matías Kranevitter, Santiago Simón, Maxi Meza and Nacho Fernández devoured Arturo Vidal and Carlos Palacios. That’s why Colo Colo almost didn’t set foot in the place. Although they didn’t have many clear-cut chances, River had more shots on goal than their rivals: seven shots to one for the Chilean team.
In the second half there were certainly no dangerous situations anywhere. Colo Colo showed tenure, but lacked depth. River didn’t kick the goal much anymore. But he scored one goal and it was enough.
Now River awaits in the semis for Fluminense or Atlético Mineiro, knowing that if it makes it to the final as a single match it will be at home, at the Monumental. And with the peace of mind of having a wise, intelligent and winning coach like Gallardo on the bench, capable of changing intrigues into certainties and illusions. Yes, River’s dream of conquering a fifth Libertadores is much debated.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
