Overview

• River has lost four straight for the first time in 15 years, including a home defeat to Deportivo Riestra that drew loud whistles and prompted a public apology from Marcelo Gallardo.
• Thursday’s quarterfinal against Racing in Rosario is portrayed by local reports as a decisive chance to halt the slump, with a loss viewed as potentially jeopardizing the continuation of his cycle.
• Gallardo said he will keep searching for solutions after extensive rotation of systems and personnel failed to produce a stable lineup or sustained play.
• Club leaders and reporting describe Gallardo as the ultimate decision-maker on football operations after heavy recent spending on at least 16 signings that have not delivered expected results.
• Parallel scrutiny has intensified at Boca Juniors under president Juan Román Riquelme after eliminations across multiple competitions, a second year without Copa Libertadores and frequent coaching changes.