BUENOS AIRES (AP) — He suffered until the last second, but the party was complete. River Plate returned to a renovated and expanded Monumental Stadium, honored Franco Armani and other world champions in Qatar with River Plate history and beat Argentinos Juniors 2-1 with various controversies to resume the fight for the top of the Argentinian championship.
With two goals from the penalty spot, converted by Colombian Miguel Borja, at 49 minutes, and Esequiel Barco, at 71, the hosts overturned the initial advantage set at 43 by Kevin MacAllister.
The match corresponding to the third date and played on Sunday in intense heat also meant the return of Martín Demichelis to the Monumental, now as coach and replacing Marcelo Gallardo, the most successful coach in the history of the “Millionaire “. .
There was another return to Núñez: that of former president Daniel Passarella, invited with other world champions in 1978 and 1986 to honor Armani and Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala, assistants to the Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni.
Passarella is on trial, accused of fraud and embezzlement during his tenure (2009-2013), and was also president when River fell in 2011. Despite the former captain having to be booed upon entering the field, the fans chose to ignore it and sing for their team.
River, which built the Olympic track in its stadium, inaugurated its new popular stands and a pit area bordering the playing field, with which the capacity of its coliseum increased to 83,196 spectators in this phase of the works, which include new boxes, a restaurant with a view of the pitch and a tunnel common to both teams.
The rolling ball, the match got worse for the “Millionaire” against the team of Gabriel Milito. Amid an even process, Argentinos broke the zero thanks to a set piece and a popcorn from MacAllister.
In the plugin, Barco’s entry improved River, which had the merit of reacting in time. Of course, he benefited from a penalty that was not and Borja – later he was injured, replaced by the Venezuelan Salomón Rondón – changed for a goal. A little later, another penalty, a hand in the box that existed, allowed Barco to turn history around for the local.
The Argentinos felt aggrieved by World Cup referee Fernando Rapallini, who repeatedly relied on VAR and canceled out two visit goals: one in the first half and another in the final time of additional time.
With their victory, Demichelis’ team recovers from the defeat suffered against Belgrano last time out, adds six points and rises to the top of the table.
In the other matches of the day, Rosario Central beat Arsenal 2-1 and provisionally reached the top, shared with Belgrano. Meanwhile, Banfield and Gimnasia y Esgrima are tied at zero.
Later that night, Racing Club-Tigre and Instituto-Huracán are measured.