Lima vs. River Plate: CONMEBOL recalled the goal of the 'Millonario' in Lima's last match in 2019

Alianza Lima will host River Plate this Wednesday, April 6, as part of the first date of group F of the 2022 Copa Libertadores. The National Stadium will be the stage where this match will be played and where the 'intimates' will try to strike the blow in their debut this edition. In that sense, CONMEBOL recalled the last match between both teams, where the Argentines were able to get a positive result shortly after the end and embittered what was going to be a triumph for the Peruvians.

Through their social networks, the top entity of South American football published a post highlighting Cristian Ferreira's free-kick goal. “An agonizing goal from River Plate in Lima! In the debut of CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019, the Millionario equalized 1-1 with Alianza Lima for a free kick by Cristian Ferreira in the last play”, the tweet reads. He then left a question for users: “Will he be able to win today? ”.

And just like the match that will take place this Wednesday, the two teams made their debut in the 2019 competition. In fact, the 'gauchos' came from being champions of the 2018 Copa Libertadores after winning an overall result of 5 to 3 over their classic rival, Boca Juniors. This final is precisely recognized because the return took place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, something totally unusual after the problems that occurred at the Monumental Stadium in Núñez, home of River.

With that title under their arm, they had all the ballots to outperform a 'blue and white' squad, however, the procedure of the match was totally different. The premises were run by an old acquaintance from River, Miguel Ángel Russo, a former Boca Juniors technician. That's why he knew how to face a team like the 'Millionaire'.

The starting eleven of the 'Victorians' was composed as follows: Pedro Gallese, Rodrigo Cuba, Hansell Riojas, Gonzalo Godoy, José Guidino, Wilder Cartagena, Luis Ramirez, Tomás Costa, Kevin Quevedo, José Miguel Manzaneda and Mauricio Affonso. For his part, coach Marcelo Gallardo lined up the following players: Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Javier Pinola, Fabricio Angileri, Leonardo Ponzio, Ignacio Fernández, Enzo Pérez, Juan Fernando Quintero, Rafael Santos Borré and Lucas Pratto.

With these lineups, the match was played where the 'intimates' really surprised the Argentines. The 'Gato' Cuba performed an exceptional side-kick in the 31st minute, which a rival defender did not clear well and Manzaneda managed to push the ball with his left hand to score and hit the Nacional.

Then, the visiting cast advanced their lines and searched through various means for the tie. Through 'Nacho' Fernández, Lucas Pratto or Rafael Santos Borré himself tried to disturb the Pedro Gallese fence, but between Godoy and Riojas they resisted the attacks of the Argentines. The Peruvian goalkeeper even covered a penalty on Borré, in what seemed to be a crucial victory.

However, the aspirations of the Matute team collapsed a few seconds after the end of the match. A foul by Godoy just close to his area caused the referee to beep a free kick for the 'gaucho' draw. The 19-year-old, Cristian Ferreira, stood in front of the ball and executed this action in a great way, as he scored a goal that Gallese barely touched but could not get the ball out of his goal. This happened in the minutes of discount, so the meeting ended seconds later.

CURRENT SITUATION

For this occasion, the situation could change, as Alianza Lima has a better squad than on that occasion, although River Plate remains a power in South America and will seek to secure those 3 points of visit. In addition, the poor performance of the Peruvian team in the local tournament could further tip the scales in favor of their rival, but in football anything can happen.

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