Marcelo Gallardo was able to pick something more like his first eleven for Wednesday night’s friendly against Peñarol in Montevideo but saw his side lose on penalties after the match ended 1-1. Highly rated younster, Matías Kranevitter returned in midfield after his injury lay-off which proved so costly during the Transición and that will be a huge positive going forward in preseason.

Teo Gutiérrez had given River a first half lead when he volleyed in the rebound after Leonel Vangioni’s header had come back off the crossbar. However, 8 minutes from time Diogo forced an equaliser for the Uruguayans and the game went to penalties.

Peñarol sealed victory 4-2 in the shootout to defeat River but frankly at this point the fitness of the players is far more important. The return of Kranevitter is a bonus and provided Gallardo gets a few more new faces in the door, River will be in good shape of a busy 2015.

River Plate  1 – 1  Peñarol (2-4 on penalties)