It wasn’t the barnstormer that all neutrals would have desired but River Plate will be satisfied with a good night’s work after battling in the Mexican heat to a goalless draw against Tigres. For the most part, Marcelo Gallardo’s well-drilled side stifled the Tigres attack and with away goals not counting in the Libertadores final they are now considered favourites for the title when they meet again next Wednesday in the Monumental.
Gallardo came close to seeing his side crash out in the group stage but since rejigging his side and tightening the midfield protection of the defence, River have looked far more compact and difficult to break down. Once more, Matías Kranevitter and Leonardo Ponzio harried the opposition in midfield and Jonathan Maidana produced one of his best performances in shutting out Andre-Pierre Gignac. Youngster Jurgan Damm was the one source of joy for Tigres and he gave Leonel Vangioni a difficult evening. Damm probably should have won the match late on when he found a way through on goal but his hesitation and attempt to round Marcelo Barovero saw the chance disappear and with it Tigres’ hopes of a first leg victory.
It was the Mexican side that had the better of the game and perhaps Rafael Sobis should have done better when he headed straight at Barovero from close range during the first half but ultimately River were rewarded for the committed defending.
Three times they have now faced each other in this year’s competition and on each occasion they could not be separated. Next Wednesday in Buenos Aires there must be a winner and with no away goals if one side cannot find a winner then penalties will decide this year’s Copa Libertadores.
golazo argentino 