Courtesy: EuroSport
River Plate had 20 players test positive for COVID-19 and, due to injuries, was reduced to 11 players for the Group D game in Buenos Aires against Independiente Santa Fe. CONMEBOL, the South American soccer governing body, turned down River Plate’s request to include two replacement goalkeepers in its squad for a Copa Libertadores match.
They had no available goalkeepers, so midfielder Enzo Perez was forced to play between the posts. Nonetheless, the Argentines prevailed 2-1. Fabrizio Angileri and Julian Alvarez scored in the first 10 minutes to put the home side up 2-0 at the Estadio Monumental, shocking a Santa Fe side that didn’t know how to capitalize on the situation.
Perez, who started for Argentina in the World Cup final in 2014, said he used “the penalty spot as a reference” after seeking advice on playing in goal in order to “focus and help the team.”
He was beaten late in the game by a Kelvin Osorio effort, but River Plate held on for a win that moved them to the top of their group. The stand-in goalkeeper also picked up the Man of the Match award for his troubles.
After the match, Perez spoke of the amazing attitude shown by the entire team:
“Talking about how the game did not make much sense, for all that we live these days, unfortunately, we suffered with Covid.”
“I emphasize the heart, the manhood, and the personality. Not only from the boys who played today but also from what we showed on Sunday at Boca stadium. There, several boys also debuted, who helped us to make a good game. We show again the group that we are and the people that we are.”
“The team’s goalkeepers sent me messages, I asked a few questions. The goalkeeper coach also gave me advice, yesterday we trained a little. He told me to always focus on the penalty spot and, when the ball went to the side, always walk diagonally. I tried to focus on helping the team, but there will certainly be a lot of talk about this game.”
Certainly, this is why people consider football to be very unpredictable. An incredible story. Here are the highlights for the game:
🔝 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