The organization of the Argentine Cup made official what everyone was waiting for and the duel between River and Racing already has a defined venue and schedule. It will be on Thursday, October 2, from 6 p.m., at the Gigante de Arroyito de Rosario stadium. The match, which promises to be one of the most spicy of the year, will be played with the burden of River’s recent elimination in the Libertadores and Racing’s historic classification to the semifinals.
The team of Marcelo Gallardo is going through a delicate moment. It comes from being beaten by Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores (5-2 on aggregate) and losing in the Clausura against Atlético Tucumán. With almost 70 million dollars invested in the last two transfer markets, the “Millionaire” looks for titles in local tournaments that will give him oxygen to close the year with something positive.
On the other hand, those of Gustavo Costas They are enjoying their best season in decades. They left Vélez on the road and, after 28 years, they reached the semifinals of the Libertadores. Additionally, in January they held the South American Cup Winners’ Cup. However, the annual table makes it difficult for them to qualify for the next edition of the top continental tournament and the Argentine Cup is presented as a direct path to securing a place.
Seasoning Salas
Beyond the numbers and the tournaments, the clash has a special ingredient. Maximiliano Salastoday a River figure, left Racing in the middle of a novel that included crossed accusations, the termination clause executed and a strong media crossover between Diego Milito and Gallardo. For the “academic” fans, reuniting with their former player increases the tension of the match, dubbed “the morbid match.”
The designation of Thursday the 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in Rosario generated controversy because the schedule, during the full working day and with the travel that it implies for both parties, makes it difficult for many fans to be present. The organization explained that the decision was made for security reasons, so that the public’s entry occurs with natural light.
The winner of this match will face Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza in the semifinals, which already eliminated Tigre. It will also be the second official confrontation between River and Racing in the Argentine Cup: the immediate precedent dates back to 2012, when the Academy won on penalties.