A Rough Start for River Plate
August 8, 2026 - The iconic Buenos Aires club is facing a challenging stretch, but hope remains for a quick revival.
River Plate, one of Argentina's most decorated and popular football clubs, suffered a 1-0 defeat against Tigre at the Estadio José Dellagiovanna in the fourth round of the Torneo Clausura 2026. The only goal came from Ignacio Russo in the 33rd minute of the second half, capitalizing on a mistake by Aníbal Moreno. With this loss, River remains without a single point and has yet to score in the tournament, extending their overall losing streak to six matches across all competitions.
Otamendi's Unwanted Record
Defender and captain Nicolás Otamendi, a veteran with over 100 caps for Argentina, now holds a club record he'd rather forget: four consecutive defeats in his first four official appearances for River. This equals the mark set by Juan Carlos Menseguez in late 2013. Otamendi becomes the seventh player in the club's history to start with four straight losses, joining Agustín José Lanata, Vicente Norberto Ruscitti, Ermindo Ángel Onega, Sergio Fernando Míguez, Gonzalo Gil, and Menseguez. Despite the bleak stat, the experienced center-back is determined to turn the tide.
Penalty Controversy and Frustration
The match was not without its drama. In the 35th minute of the first half, Ángel Correa was brought down in the box by Nahuel Banegas after a pass from Lucas Beltrán. Referee Andrés Gariano, with VAR official Yamil Possi, chose not to award a penalty—a decision that infuriated the River camp.
Otamendi voiced his frustration with a mix of criticism and self-reflection: 'We are in a moment where we cannot afford any mistakes. One chance for Tigre and they scored. We can't keep going like this without earning three points.' He also addressed the officiating: 'In my opinion, and from what everyone tells me, it was a clear penalty. It seems neither the referee nor the VAR are suited for a competition like this.'
Looking Ahead: A Chance to Bounce Back
Despite the setbacks, River Plate has an immediate opportunity to rediscover their winning form. On Wednesday at 9:30 PM (Argentina time), they will face Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana—a continental tournament that offers a fresh start. With stars like Thiago Almada and Ángel Correa alongside Otamendi, the team has the quality to reverse their fortunes. The faithful fans remain optimistic, believing this rough patch is just a stumble on the road to glory.