Photo: JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI / Getty Images
The outlook did not look good at all for River Plate . The Argentine team had up to 20 footballers infected by Covid – 19 . In the middle of the contagion focus, “ The Millionaire ”was left without his four goalkeepers to play his match of Copa Libertadores . Faced with this situation, the midfielder, Enzo Pérez, assumed responsibility and was the hero of an unforgettable victory .
🔝 An unforgettable night for @ RiverPlate and Enzo Pérez!
🔴⚪🧤 The midfielder put on the gloves and earned # BestOfTheMatch honors as # River topped @ SantaFe . pic.twitter.com/z8SghkbYFd
– CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) May 20, 2021
River’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo , had to face a match without the best conditions for the development of football. However, in an almost epic context , the Argentine team finished taking the 2-1 victory over Independiente de Santa Fe at the Monumental Stadium.
🎙 What did Enzo Pérez say after the triumph of @RiverPlate before @ SantaFe at CONMEBOL # Libertadores . pic.twitter.com/7jRsrL8Hca
– CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) May 20, 2021
Two dozen footballers with Covid – 19 , without substitutes on the benches and with a injured midfielder under the three sticks , the team of the “Doll” Gallardo was presented. It was a really atypical day in which Enzo Pérez took all the flashes .
The experienced midfielder defended River’s goal with a hamstring injury . Clearly it was noted that Pérez is not a natural player of that position, however l the fans applauded his delivery, decision and courage to the volunteer and face before the eyes of thousands of spectators attentive.
History in the making. A COVID – 19 outbreak ruled out 20 of River Plate’s players for their Copa Libertadores match against Santa Fe, including all goalies. They were told to play anyway with no subs and midfielder Enzo Perez in goal. They won 2-1. Quality and guts. 🐓💪🏻 pic.twitter.com / BmVKpH 550 J
– Christian Martin (@askomartin) May 20, 2021
The whole context painted for River Plate to take a humiliating defeat in their own stadium and complicate their classification to the next round of the Copa Libertadores. But to everyone’s amazement, the eleven warriors gave everything on the field and managed to get the three points that put them to lead the table in group D .
River Plate had over 25 cases of COVID in their squad ahead of their Copa Libertadores game against Santa Fe, including all the GKs. So midfielder Enzo Pérez, who was injured, started in goal.
River won the game 2-1 when they only had 11 players available and Pérez got MOTM. 🤯 pic.twitter.com / FoMsnZ 05 TH
– Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) May 20, 2021
Cold statistics will say that “El Millonario” won 2-1, with goals from Fabrizio Angileri and Julián Álvarez . But the context of the scene is worthy of recognition and has a great load of epicity worthy of a movie shown in the cinemas.
With his victory against the Colombian team, “The millionaire” was placed in the first position of group D, with 9 points . They closely follow him Fluminense (8), Junior (6) and the one already removed Independent de Santa Fe with 2 units.
📊 The positions of Group D of CONMEBOL # Libertadores ! @ RiverPlate is the leader: the two classified to eighth they will define in the last date. pic.twitter. com / KEDHg2OM3T
– CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores)
May 20, 1200
The next Tuesday 25 of May, The Argentine team will play the leadership with the powerful Fluminense from Brazil. Both teams will fight for a place in the next round of the Copa Libertadores.
