River Plate secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Atlético Tucumán on March 9, 2025, offering the team a much-needed boost following recent disappointing performances. This victory was particularly significant as it came after the team’s recent struggles, including a penalty shootout loss to Talleres de Córdoba during the Supercopa Internacional final on March 5, 2025.
The match against Atlético Tucumán was played at the Más Monumental stadium, where River Plate fans were eager to see their team recover from the setbacks. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation after last week’s 2-0 defeat to Estudiantes de La Plata, and the fans were eager for redemption.
Facundo Colidio emerged as the hero of the match, scoring the decisive goal at the 79th minute. His goal not only helped secure the much-needed points but also quieted some of the criticism previously directed at him after the team's lackluster performance against Talleres.
Despite the win, it was not without drama. Santiago Simón received a red card for his actions during the match, resulting in his early exit at the 90+3 minute mark, which added tension as River fought to maintain their lead.
The match saw mixed reactions from the crowd during the player announcements, which was part of the 'aplause-o-meter’ tradition. While some players like Franco Armani were met with cheers for their contributions, others faced heavy boos. Maximiliano Meza, who transferred to River for $2 million dollars earlier this season, was booed loudly, reflecting the frustration of fans over the team’s recent performance.
Meza's situation mirrored the sentiment directed at other players, including Miguel Borja and Facundo Colidio, who have faced their own challenges this season. The contrasts were stark as players like Armani and Colidio received applause, highlighting the divide between the players who had been performing up to expectation and those who had faltered.
Colidio's return to form with the winning goal helped to alleviate some of the fans' frustrations. The 1-0 victory has placed River Plate second in Zone B of the Liga Profesional standings with 18 points, trailing Independiente, who sits at 20 points after their recent victory over San Lorenzo.
The match also marked the debut of 18-year-old Giorgio Constantini, who came on as a substitute for Franco Mastantuono after Simón's red card. Constantini, who joined River's youth divisions from Coritiba, expressed his excitement about his introduction to first-team football, stating, "It was crazy. But I was also welcomed very well by the assistant Biscay. He generates respect and is very demanding during training, but that's how it should be.”
Constantini is eager to prove himself and has ambitions of becoming a regular first-team player. He emphasized his adaptability on the field, stating, "I always try to contribute to the team, and I think I have good vision of the game. I can play several positions, but I particularly enjoy the role of attacking midfielder." His versatility and eagerness to learn have made him one to watch for the future.
River Plate's victory against Atlético Tucumán not only lifted the team’s spirits but also reignited hopes among the fans as they move forward. The team will look to build on this success when they next play against Deportivo Riestra on March 15, 2025, as they aim to gain consecutive victories.
The road to recovery remains challenging as pressure mounts for River Plate to reclaim their top form. With strong performances from players like Colidio and the inclusion of promising talents like Constantini, fans are hopeful for what lies ahead as the season progresses.