Ahead of a Copa Libertadores semi-final and with a second-string side sent to Santa Fe, a more difficult evening might have been expected for Marcelo Gallardo’s side. However, veteran striker Fernando Cavenaghi rolled back the years to produce a virtuoso performance, scoring four as River trounced Atlético Rafaela to remain three points behind Boca Juniors at the top of the Primera.
A close range predatory finish gave Cavenaghi and River their opening goal just before the half hour mark and a minute later the 31-year-old was alert to Camilo Mayada’s volley coming back off the post to head the second. Alexander Barboza headed a goal back for La Crema just before half time but Cavenaghi completed his hat-trick with a back post header to end any hopes of a comeback.
Marcelo Gallardo introduced 17-year-old Abel Casquete at this point and the Ecuadorian not only became the youngest foreigner to play for River in the professional era but made an immediate impact. The pacy Casquete escaped down the left before squaring for Cavenaghi to slot in a simple fourth and there was still time for 21-year-old Guido Rodríguez to add a fifth.
As bad as Atlético Rafaela were (and they were really bad), River should be commended for such an emphatic victory when resting their entire starting eleven. The Libertadores is understandably the priority at present but the Primera title race is gearing up to be an exciting affair.
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