30/07/2026 19:16 - Deportes
River Plate visited Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata on July 30, 2026 for Matchday 2 of the Torneo Clausura 2026 (the closing tournament of the Argentine football season) and lost 1-0. This defeat means River has lost its first two matches of a tournament for the first time since the Clausura 1995, when Carlos Babington was in charge. According to TyC Sports, the Millonario (River's nickname) had not suffered such a start in over 30 years. However, history shows that great clubs always find a way back, and next Sunday's match against Rosario Central is the perfect chance to turn things around.
For context, in 1995 River lost 3-2 to Lanús and then 3-0 to Rosario Central. The worst start in club history dates back to 1906, with seven straight losses in the second division. Records are meant to be broken – and this one can be reversed!
Midfielder Alexis Steimbach, 24, was the standout player at El Bosque stadium, scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute after a cross from Maximiliano Zalazar. Speaking to ESPN F3, Steimbach revealed the key to victory: 'We tried to block Acuña and Montiel, their best attacking players on the wings. We played a great match.' He also praised the opponent's quality but noted that 'once you step onto the pitch, names are forgotten.'
Steimbach also highlighted the leadership of Ignacio 'Nacho' Fernández, a former River player and current Gimnasia star, as the emotional engine of the locker room.
The newspaper El Día published the match ratings, with Steimbach earning the highest score of 8. However, the officiating was criticized: referee Leandro Rey Hilfer received a 4 for losing control of the game and being slow to issue yellow cards, leading to a rough contest.
On River's side, injuries to Marcos Acuña and Mauro Arambarri further complicated the night for the Núñez-based club, which now looks to the transfer market for urgent reinforcements.
Coach Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet was self-critical after the loss and, according to Infobae, has asked the board for three or four new players to add experience to several areas of the pitch. The good news: reinforcements are already on the way!
The situation is challenging but full of promise. With established stars like Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Correa, plus the potential injection of new talent, River has all the tools to turn the season around and fight for a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores. Don't despair – the season has just begun!
Alfredo S. Quiroga
