River Plate are used to doing things the hard way in the Copa Libertadores after their remarkable route to the title last year. However, after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Independiente del Valle in Quito, Marcelo Gallardo’s side face an uphill battle to book their place in the quarter finals.
In the altitude of Quito, this was always likely to be a test for River but after what was a pretty even contest, it will be particularly grinding to have lost by such a margin. Both sides had created chances over the course of the first 45 minutes but as the second half went on it was the home side that began to apply the pressure.
The breakthrough eventually came a little after the hour mark when Independiente broke down the left and Junior Sornoza found José Angulo unmarked in the penalty area. The striker’s initial touch was heavy but Jonathan Maidana couldn’t close down the space before the ball was smashed past Marcelo Barovero.
The goal sparked River back into life and Marcelo Gallardo introduced Lucas Alario, who had been a surprise omission from the starting eleven. The reported Liverpool target almost made an immediate impact when he deftly flicked the ball over Librado Azcona and into the net only for a tight offside decision see his effort ruled out.
A minute later, Alario was provided a far simpler chance but his back post header from just a few yards out was off target.
Perhaps only a one-goal deficit wouldn’t have been so disastrous but in the final minute of stoppage time the home side broke and Maidana brought down Emiliano Tellechea in the penalty area. Junior Sornoza stepped up, and with the last kick of the game, tucked away the spot kick to double the lead.
Back at sea-level in the Monumental means this tie is far from over but River need a huge improvement and to channel some of that 2015 spirit to overcome these latest odds.
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