Result and Context
River Plate drew 2-2 with Vélez Sarsfield at the Monumental on 24 August 2026. The Millonarios opened the score and held the advantage, but in the second half Thiago Almada’s mistake opened the door for Vélez, and Manuel Lanzini’s header sealed the draw. The result felt like a defeat for the red-whites, who went from euphoria to uncertainty in minutes.
Coudet’s Analysis
Eduardo Coudet was self-critical in the press conference. “We had a great first half and started the second well, with chances to finish, but I don’t know how to explain that we didn’t finish it,” he said. He pointed out that the team “was not precise” and that “the two shots that were taken against us turned them in.” The coach admitted that “there are mistakes and when we make them we pay for them,” and that the lack of precision in the second half cost them the three points.
Changes and Tactical Decisions
Coudet explained why he did not make substitutions to seek fresh legs: “The team was playing well and the opponent was not hurting, despite being a great team. We were out wide. When you play well and are not hurt, it’s hard to change and that’s why we didn’t.” Regarding Thiago Almada’s position, he said “he plays in his position and feels comfortable there; the loss in the first goal makes him focus on playing very back, but he played a great game.” He also revealed that he replaced Ángel Correa, “he was a bit tight and was very tired as the minutes ran, and if he had nothing, he played the whole match.”
Immediate Future
Next Wednesday River will face Independiente Santa Fe de Bogotá at the Monumental, a round of the Copa Sudamericana’s eighth-rounds. Coudet said “we will have to work on creating offensively and being more effective.” He mentioned the new strikers Lucas Beltrán and Rafael Santos Borré, “they are two types who were goal-scorers and know the club; we need to create chances for them and they will surely find the net.”
Conclusion
The 2-2 draw with Vélez left the Millonarios with a feeling of defeat, and the coach admitted that the lack of precision and mistakes in the second half were decisive factors. With the next Copa Sudamericana match on the agenda, Coudet seeks to correct the offense and avoid repeating the same flaw.
