Overview

• After scoring Paraguay’s winner in Lima, Gustavo Alfaro praised Matías Galarza and questioned River’s rapid deployment of the midfielder and the pressure he faced.
• Marcelo Gallardo updated River’s Copa Libertadores list, adding Lautaro Rivero, Juan Bautista Dadín and Juan Cruz Meza in place of Franco Mastantuono, Santiago Simón and Rodrigo Aliendro.
• International returnees Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, Matías Galarza, Kevin Castaño, Juan Fernando Quintero and Paulo Díaz rejoined training ahead of Estudiantes and the Palmeiras quarterfinal.
• Reports indicate Gallardo will use a mixed lineup at Estudiantes to manage workloads before the continental tie, with rest considered for Montiel and Paulo Díaz and minutes earmarked for Giuliano Galoppo and Acuña.
• Enzo Francescoli reaffirmed that Gallardo has the final say on transfers and said a potential Copa exit would be a major frustration rather than a failure.