The bulletin of the ‘big’ teams in the League Cup: two disapproved, Boca and River with room for improvement and Independiente the only winner

The ball rolled again this weekend and not only were the teams revamped; but also illusions. From the first to the last club in the Professional League, obviously. But the bigger question, the weight of responsibility, fundamentally due to history and in some cases to resources, falls on us the big five of Argentina. Only Independent could claim victory. Racing AND Saint Lawrence They lost in their own homes. River, on board a draw, also disappointed at home. AND Mouth With Platense it didn’t go from zero to zero.

The first appointment bulletin found postponements for four of the giants. He Red what a guide Carlos TevezAt least he brought three points to Avellaneda thanks to the victory against the namesake of Mendoza. However, he left some things to improve. Other medium-sized teams with enormous goals stood out in this context: Students AND Hurricane, to name two cases, which have given good signals. Also, Godoy Cruz, Lanus, Newell’s AND Gym.

The level, in general, was far from engaging. Perhaps the high temperatures had an influence, as these are the first post-season preparations, because too many precautions are taken because you think more about your own goal than that of others and because the players are getting to know each other. Without going any further, it was there 16 goals in 14 games and the biggest difference was 2-0 in three of them.

Now, faced with the series that is approaching in this League Cup which offers little rest in a tight calendar because on the horizon there are three other tournaments (Libertadores, Sudamericana and Copa Argentina) and the Copa América in June, there is little time to rest on laurels or lament defeats.

In this situation, What were the highest points and what were the deficits that the great teams left in this first step?

River: with losses and shortages

The departures of Enzo Pérez and Nicolás De La Cruz have generated a big problem in the gestation area and, although the championship is ongoing, the only reinforcement has been Nicolás Fonseca, a 25-year-old midfielder who started against Argentinos, but left unknowns, beyond the statistical evaluation that Martín Demichelis made in the press conference.

The river has no explosions. Although Miguel Borja has the upper hand, he does not fully engage the offensive circuit due to some irregularities from Nacho Fernández and Esequiel Barco. But the main disadvantage is in the middle, where it remains divided, a weakness that the La Paternal team took advantage of.

Questioned despite having won two titles in 2023, the coach is looking for the best version of his River, seen at the beginning of his cycle. With other interpreters it is clear. And with more space for the youth teams: Franco Mastantuono (16 years old) and Agustín Ruberto (18) made their debuts on Sunday.

“We have to change the details this year to grow internationally, we are very confident and we will definitely do it,” Demichelis said. He knows that the priority objective is the Libertadores.

Boca: in search of his identity

Very little was seen from Diego Martínez’s hand in the duel against Platense. The coach’s idea, which I hope to materialize in Godoy Cruz, Tigre and Huracán, is a good start, strong teams and a mobile midfield. Recently, however, the team has improved with the arrival of Kevin Zenón, one of the signings, who has given a leap in quality to the midfielder’s area which was moving very slowly.

So it had more dynamics. And that’s what Boca must acquire. The coach talks about “tilt” to generate numerical superiority in different sectors of the playing field. It was only in the second half that we understood something of what Martínez had in mind, with Frank Fabra and Luis Advíncula bolder in going all the way. The arrival of Lautaro Blanco, who underwent medical checks yesterday, could give him an edge in this sense.

A positive point was the work of Cristian Lema, who arrived to strengthen the defense and had to make his debut immediately due to Marcos Rojo’s injury and the absence of Nicolás Valentini, involved in the Under 23 national team.

“I look at the bank and find solutions. Cavani, Benedetto, Zenón, Janson have come in… Highly ranked players. When we are at full strength we will be even stronger”, was the message of optimism sent by the coach.

Racing: the big disappointment

There was great enthusiasm in Avellaneda for the dozen players he brought in. And above all by an internal technician. However, Gustavo Costas’ team left much to be desired. From tactical to attitudinal. Disjointed, lost, with poor development and physical and defensive fragility, he fell into the Union and left worries.

The coach knows he will have to improve quickly against Tigre, tomorrow at Cilindro. When Maximiliano Salas and Adrián Martínez came in, an evolution was noticeable. It’s the first date, of course, and there’s room to mix it up and give more. “I don’t like to make excuses, it was played badly and it was lost well,” Costas said.

Independent: only victory

The five-man line that Tevez usually deploys limits the creativity of a team that changes when Santiago Toloza, the hitmaker, comes on in the second half against Independiente Rivadavia.

The coach emphasized above all “character”. The reinforcements that debuted (Jhonny Quiñónez, Gabriel Ávalos, Adrián Sporle and Ignacio Maestro Puch) have yet to show their virtues.

Ricardo Bochini, red idol, said the team needs a “change of pace”. And he’s right. Independiente tries to be dynamic, but has veteran players for the pressure needed: the team that started on Friday has an average age of 31 years.

San Lorenzo: I can’t find the match

Ruben Darío Insua performed a miracle: from the fight to stay he managed to qualify the team for the Copa Libertadores. However, it is difficult for him to give greater fluidity and volume of play to a team that is usually orderly and intense, but lacks creativity and depends heavily on the firepower of its attackers.

The five line seems immovable and was one of their biggest strengths, but they changed their name. From the goalkeeper (Altamirano di Batalla) to the central defenders. The flying full-backs arrive (Giay and Braida), but Eric Remedi, who arrived from Banfield and started from the bench, must assert himself in the middle.

“We need to add quantity and quality of work. It is essential to be able to kick in the door”, was the self-criticism of the Galician. “We lost energy in the second half,” she added.

In short, what happens to everyone. Time is running out, results rule and the greats still have a lot to show.