Miguel Ángel Borja got off to a great start in the Professional League Cup with River. In a key game against Arsenal de Sarandí, the striker scored two goals in a 3-1 win, leaving his side fifth in Group A and closer to qualification.
Borja was the protagonist from the first moment of meeting. In the 3rd minute, the Colombian diverted the ball’s trajectory after a pass from Santiago Simón that didn’t seem to create much danger and scored a great goal to take the lead. The attacker scored one of the strangest goals of his career.
His importance in the game increased as he showed greater confidence after the goal and constantly sought contact with Manuel Lanzini, Ignacio Fernández and Ezequiel Barco. His second leg was fundamental to the offensive dominance of Martín Demichelis’ team. Nicolás De La Cruz scored with a great mid-range shot to make it 2-0 for the Colombian team.
In the second half, the local team slowed the pace of the game slightly and used their possession game to control the game. Despite the dominance Juan Bautista Cejas scored for Arsenal de Sarandi in the 57th minute. The opponent’s goal brought River back into the game, who attacked again and turned Alejandro Medina into a figure.
In the 74th minute, the referee declared a penalty for the home team with the help of VAR. Borja took the ball and with a powerful shot he decided the final score 3-1. After sealing his double, he was replaced by Facundo Colidio. The former junior left the field obviously exhausted and to the applause of Monumental Stadium.
Borja’s role in River’s attack
Despite being the reference striker in Martín Demichelis’ team, the Colombian remains in constant motion throughout the attacking front, constantly trying to get in touch with the midfielders. Against Arsenal, Santiago Simón, who acted as an improvised right-back, took advantage of the Colombian’s diagonals to create space in the away defense.
In addition to his movements, Borja caused danger several times with medium-range shots. In fact, Alejandro Medina, Arsenal goalkeeper, was one of the figures of the game. The next day of the Professional League Cup, River Plate hosts Atlético Tucumán at the Monumental Stadium.
Changes
Juan Bautista Cejas (45′, Alfredo Amarilla), Facundo Pons (69′, Leandro Moreira), Juan Cavallaro (70′, Lucas Brochero), Facundo Colidio (79′, Miguel Borja), Matias Kranevitter (79′, Manuel Lanzini), Andres Herrera (79′, Santiago Simon), Facundo Cardozo (80th minute, Adrian Spörle), Bruno Zuculini (85th minute, Enzo Pérez), Matias Suarez (86′, Nacho Fernández), Daniel Lucero (89′, Lautaro Guzman)
Goals
1-0, 2′: Miguel Borja2-0, 28′: Nicolas De La Cruz2-1, 57′: Juan Bautista Cejas3-1, 74′: Miguel Borja
cards
Referee: Fernando Espinoza
VAR referees: Ariel Penel, Diego Yamil Bonfá
Joaquin Pombo (13′, yellow) Ramiro Funes Mori (41′, yellow)
classification
Classification PT PJ PG PE PP
| 3 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Classification PT PJ PG PE PP
| 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 11 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 12 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 13 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 14 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
