The international break may mean a week off for most clubs but River Plate travelled to La Plata for a friendly against Olimpia and although Marcelo Gallardo’s side benefitted from a couple of refereeing decisions initially, they cruised to victory against their Paraguayan opposition.
Iván Alonso headed River in front after five minutes but Olimpia were right to question the linesman after he failed to flag for a clear offside against the Uruguayan.
Fredy Bareiro rose in front of Enrique Bologna from a corner to bring Olimpia level before half time but River needed just minutes after the break to reestablish the lead.
The Paraguayans questioned the awarding of a corner but seconds later the ball was in the net with Hernán Villalba deflecting the ball into his own net and it proved to be the turning point as River ran away.
Youngster Lucas Martinez Quarta scored with a diving header before recent signing Denis Rodríguez produced the goal of the game. The former Newell’s midfielder and cousin of Maxi, dashed into space on the edge of the penalty area and curled the ball into the top corner.
A couple of River’s more familiar faces were introduced and Lucas Alario completed the rout when the striker ran clear to add a fifth.
golazo argentino 