River Plate Clinch First Division Championship under New Coach Martín Demichelis: A Record-Breaking Triumph for Argentine Giants
River Plate has secured the First Division championship under their new coach, Martín Demichelis, in a remarkable triumph for the Argentine giants. This victory marks a historic moment for the club, achieved in their first year with Demichelis at the helm.
Argentine football fans are known for their superstitions, and as the conclusion of the Liga Profesional seemed inevitable, this article could have been prepared months in advance. The wait has finally come to an end as River Plate is officially crowned the champions, although the only surprise is that it took this long to become a reality.
River Plate dominated the league from the very beginning of the season, making their position seemingly unassailable as early as mid-April. While other potential rivals like Boca Juniors and Racing Club stumbled, River Plate surged ahead with a series of eight consecutive wins. Despite some late moments of uncertainty, they could finally celebrate their triumph on Saturday at the Estadio Monumental. Facing Estudiantes, their victory was emphatic, as they secured a 3-1 win in the first half with goals from Lucas Beltrán, Nico de la Cruz, and Esequiel Barco.
This title is River Plate’s 38th Primera División championship, a national record, and a special moment for their rookie coach, Martín Demichelis, who achieved glory in his very first attempt. Overwhelmed with emotions, Demichelis expressed his gratitude to life and the club for this incredible achievement.
Comparisons to Demichelis’ predecessor, Marcelo Gallardo, are unavoidable but unfair. While Gallardo took seven years to win his first and only Primera title with the club, Demichelis accomplished this feat in just six months. Both coaches were relatively inexperienced when they took charge of River Plate, and both have excelled in spotting and developing talent in unexpected places.
Lucas Beltrán has emerged as the rising star for River Plate this season. Initially considering a loan move away from the club, Beltrán decided to stay and was rewarded for his persistence. He finished the season as River Plate’s top scorer in the league with eleven goals, surpassing expensive potential replacements. Beltrán reflected on his decision, acknowledging the role fate played in his journey.
Now, River Plate and Demichelis hope to replicate their success at the international level. While their league form was dominant, they encountered difficulties in the Copa Libertadores group stage, narrowly clinching qualification to the last 16 on the final day of the competition. A challenging match against Internacional awaits them in August, where River Plate will aim to demonstrate their prowess on the global stage.
This outstanding league victory provides Demichelis with the credibility and time to shape his team according to his vision. Similar to Gallardo, he aims to find value in young and underrated players, a strategy that has proven successful for River Plate in the past.
As River Plate continues their journey, the focus now turns to the Copa Libertadores. Demichelis’ tenure at River Plate will be evaluated based on their performance in this prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, this record-breaking triumph in the First Division championship has already established Demichelis as a successful coach, following in the footsteps of his predecessor.
As the celebration ensues, River Plate fans can look forward to more exciting moments under Demichelis’ guidance. The club’s triumph is a result of their unwavering commitment, the coach’s tactical brilliance, and the players’ exceptional performances.
