River Plate Survives San Lorenzo but Lacks Consistency for Apertura Title

River Plate advanced in the Apertura Tournament after a tense victory over San Lorenzo at the Monumental stadium, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Gimnasia. Despite the win, the team's performance under coach Eduardo Coudet has drawn significant criticism for lacking tactical clarity and consistent play. The match featured a chaotic second half where substitutions, including Juanfer Quintero, led to overcrowded attacking zones without clear order. Analysts highlight persistent defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in one-on-one marking, and a stagnant midfield that struggles to generate creative opportunities. Key players like Santiago Beltrán have been instrumental in masking these flaws, but the overall squad depth remains insufficient, with returning injured players failing to make immediate impacts. Coudet defended his tactics, citing the difficulty of breaking down defensive opponents and praising the team's resilience. However, the reliance on luck and individual moments rather than structured football raises doubts about River's ability to claim the championship. The upcoming match against Gimnasia is viewed as a critical test to determine if the team can evolve beyond its current limitations before the potential final in Córdoba.