River Plate and Vélez Sarsfield drew 2-2 at the Monumental on March 14, 2024. River led 2-0 at halftime but conceded two goals in the second half, with goals from Lanzini and Driussi for Vélez.
Result and Context
The match, part of the Primera División championship, saw River Plate enter the field with a 2-0 advantage at the end of the first half. River’s goals came from the combination between Almada and Correa, and from Freitas’s shot that deflected off Silvero. However, the second half turned into a scenario of errors and doubts, with River letting a train slip through that cost them the win.
Errors and Opportunities
Almada made a bad pass that opened the door for Vélez, and the effect of Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s substitutions, especially the entry of Valdés, created a lack of coherence in defense. In minute 19, Lanzini’s header equalized the score, and at minute 33, Driussi scored Vélez’s second goal. River tried to react with the substitution of Correa for Borré, but the delay in Borré’s entry left the team with three players less during a critical moment.
Reactions and Future
Coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto lamented the team’s lack of reliability, noting that the series of four consecutive defeats at the start of the Clausura has reduced the margin for error. River is still fighting to regain the confidence of its fans, while Vélez remains in the qualification zone. River’s next match will be against Independiente Santa Fe, where the coach hopes that players Montiel and Acuña, recovered from muscle injuries, will help the comeback.
Key Details
- Date: March 14, 2024
- Result: River 2 - 2 Vélez
- River goals: Almada-Correa, Freitas
- Vélez goals: Lanzini, Driussi
- Second‑half master: Almada’s error and lack of defensive coordination
- River’s next match: Independiente Santa Fe
The match made clear that River Plate needs to improve its consistency and avoid mistakes that allow opponents to capitalize on opportunities.
