Coach Marcelo Gallardo, who will be banned from the touchline in the Monumental after being sent off during a 0-0 first leg draw in Monterrey, announced his first XI in a press conference. With Mora unavailable and fellow ‘Charrúa’ frontman Tabaré Viudez a relative newcomer to the club, Cavenaghi received the nod to start alongside Lucas Alario in the attack.
It is a fitting tribute to the former Bordeaux, Spartak Moscow and Mallorca man, who started his career with the Millonarios back in 2001 before moving to Europe. Cavenaghi returned to his first club in 2011 after an historic relegation, and his 19 goals in the Nacional B were key to River regaining their place amongst the elite after just one season in the second tier. But, as four goals in a single game against Rafaela just weeks ago proved, «Cavegol» also provides a potent scoring option in and around the area.
«Cavenaghi is going to give us experience and goal chances, that sniffer’s nose he has inside the penalty box to finish off anything that comes his way,» Gallardo explained.
In another switch forced by injury, Camilo Mayada is drafted in at right-back. The Uruguayan makes the cut due to the unavailability of first choice Gabriel Mercado and young prospect Emanuel Mammana, both on the casualty list.
Speaking to press ahead of the game, Gallardo signalled that even though he will not be able to sit on the bench for River’s final, he would do everything possible to support his charges.
«No one is going to stop me being there,» Gallardo told reporters.
«It’s a lie that I won’t be at the team talk, I won’t be on the bench but I’ll be there [in the dressing room].»
«What’s different is that I might not be in the dugout but people who I trust will be there and they are well prepared.»
Gallardo, 39, was ejected for abusing officials last Wednesday but is desperate to take River to the title for the first time since 1996, when the attacking midfielder came off the bench in both legs against América de Cali.
Probable River Plate XI: Marcelo Barovero, Camilo Mayada, Jonathan Maidana, Ramiro Funes Mori, Leonel Vangioni; Carlos Sánchez, Matías Kranevitter, Leonardo Ponzio, Nicolás Bertolo; Lucas Alario, Fernando Cavenaghi.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald