River Plate and Universidad Católica took advantage of the national team break due to the start of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, to play a friendly match at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás, located in the city of San Nicolás de los Arroyos, in Argentina.
As negative as the 1-0 loss against River was and the poor game shown, the Crusaders were able to save the opportunity to see young players get more minutes. Within this group, Nicolás Peranic’s substitute goalkeeper, Thomas Gillier (19 years old) is one of the outstanding figures.
During the first half, the inexperienced goalkeeper seemed confident, with good footwork and solvent whenever he was needed, in this game that marked his debut with the student team.
In the second half, a wonderful play by Ezequiel Barco hit his goal with a complex corner shot, leaving the goalkeeper with almost no choice.
His game ended in the 62nd minute of the duel, when he was replaced by UC’s starting goalkeeper, Nicolás Peranic.
The coach of the strip, Nicolás Núñez, mentioned the presence of young players in this game. “They responded, we made conclusions, and it helps them grow and be ready to have a chance at the tournament,” he said.
The fans approved the debut
https://twitter.com/_JorgeV__/status/1700629403531645128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/FelipeBorgono/status/1700625463951994918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/RadJar23/status/1700673838801998028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
