River Shines, But The Future Is Uncertain

Coudet's victory at the Monumental: River shines, but the future is uncertain

Eduardo Coudet's new project in River begins with a resounding victory, while Boca remains stuck in draws.

Football always brings intense emotions, but at the start of 2026, River Plate is showing glimpses of what could be a season full of expectations under the direction of Eduardo Coudet. The Rosario coach, in his debut at the Monumental, achieved a victory that left the fans satisfied, although not without details that still require work and growth. For its part, Boca Juniors, with an endless streak of draws, continues to generate more questions than answers despite being undefeated.

The Monumental stadium was dressed up to welcome Coudet's new River Plate, who, after two victories in their first two games, showed a mix of mixed feelings. While the victory against Sarmiento de Junín was clear, the development of the game was not as brilliant as expected. The first 30 minutes of the match were marked by a lack of offensive depth and inaccuracies. However, an unexpected turn came when the visiting team suffered an expulsion 40 minutes into the first half, which paved the way for the home team to take control of the match.

With the score 1-0 in favor thanks to a goal from Sebastián Driussi, who took advantage of a controversial play after a possible touch with the hand, River was able to display its highest hierarchy. In the second half, Coudet's team increased the lead thanks to a great goal from Ian Subiabre, who received a great pass from Aníbal Moreno and finished with class in front of the post. Although the collective game still needs adjustments, individualities are beginning to stand out.

One of the most positive points was the appearance of Joaquín Freitas, a young 19-year-old forward who showed daring, speed and a great change of pace. Throughout the second half, Freitas unbalanced and made it clear that it is the immediate future of this River that is beginning to excite with its new project. Despite the ups and downs, River fans are hopeful about what is to come, knowing that the team is in the middle of the construction process.

Boca, a giant trapped in mediocrity

Although Coudet's start at River was positive, not all big teams in Argentina go through the same moment of euphoria. Boca Juniors, one of the biggest clubs in the country, remains trapped in a streak of draws that has already become a constant. On their visit to Santa Fe to face Unión, Hugo Ibarra's team achieved a draw that, although valuable due to the context, does not hide the shortcomings that continue to plague the xeneize team.

The match at the 15 de Abril stadium started in the worst way for Boca, who found themselves behind on the scoreboard after a great goal from Julián Palacios for Unión. Throughout the first half, the Santa Fe team was superior, taking advantage of the visitors' defensive weaknesses. However, in the second half, Boca improved its performance and managed to equalize the score thanks to Miguel Merentiel, who took advantage of a play by Adam Bareiro, whose shot hit the post.

This tie, despite Boca's limitations, has relative value. The team reacted to a Unión that has been one of the surprises of the championship and is in a great moment. Boca, despite not losing, has already accumulated five draws in its last seven games, a streak that shows that the lack of victories is a latent concern for Xeneizes fans. This team needs to improve its performance if it wants to aspire to titles, something that still seems far away with the irregularity shown so far.

Currently, Boca occupies sixth position in Zone A of the Apertura with 14 points, while River, with 17, is in fifth place in Zone B. Although there is still a long way to go, the differences in terms of performance are clear. River has shown more solidity in its first games under Coudet, while Boca continues to search for the formula to recover its best version.

The panorama of the greats in the Argentine League

This weekend, two other greats of Argentine football were also in action. San Lorenzo, which has shown a good version under the direction of Rubén Darío Insúa, will host Defensa y Justicia in a crucial match for its aspirations in the tournament. Racing, for its part, will face Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, a team that has surprised many with its performance in the category. Meanwhile, Independiente will visit Instituto, in what will be an important challenge for those from Avellaneda, who are looking to get out of their football crisis.

With 10 rounds played in the championship, the positions of the big teams will surely continue to alter, but what is clear is that Coudet's new River has shown more lights than Boca at this start of the season. The need for victories in Boca is urgent, and fans hope that Ibarra's team recovers as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Coudet's River and Gallardo's?
Coudet's team is more dynamic and seeks to play with greater intensity, while Gallardo's had a more balanced and structured game.
Why doesn't Boca get victories?
The lack of defensive solidity and the irregularity in the performance of its key players are the main factors that explain Boca's draws.
Who is Joaquín Freitas?
He is a young forward from River Plate who has surprised with his speed and one-on-one skills. He is only 19 years old and is one of the club's great promises.
How is Unión doing in the championship?
Unión has had an outstanding participation in the Apertura and is in a competitive position, beating larger teams in several games.
What does Boca need to improve?
Improving team cohesion, strengthening its defense and finding greater effectiveness in attack are some of the keys for Boca to recover its level.
How is the classification going in the Argentine tournament?
River is in fifth place in Zone B with 17 points, while Boca occupies sixth position in Zone A with 14 points.
What do River fans think about Coudet?
The fans are excited about Coudet's start at the club, although they know that there is still a lot to work on in the team.
How does the expulsion of Gabriel Díaz affect Sarmiento?
The expulsion changed the course of the match, leaving Sarmiento with one man less and facilitating River's dominance.
How many games has Boca gone without losing?
Boca has been on an undefeated streak, although with many draws. They have not lost in the last seven games.
How was Adam Bareiro's performance in Boca?
Bareiro showed good movements and was involved in the tying goal, showing that he can be a key piece for the team.