His numbers in his second spell (which lasted a year and a half): Matches managed: 90 games (51 wins, 23 draws, 16 losses). Titles won: 3 crowns (Copa Libertadores 2003, Torneo Apertura 2003, and the mythical Intercontinental Cup 2003 against Milan). The milestone: He became the coach with the most Copa Libertadores titles in history. 'The Puppet' and a crisis resolution (2024-2026) Gallardo took over in mid-2024 to steer an adrift ship following Martín Demichelis's tenure. However, after a decent start, the elimination in the 2025 Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras shattered the team's emotional and football structure, leading to an unthinkable losing streak for his appointment. Matches managed: 85 games (35 wins, 32 draws, and 18 losses). Drawing a parallel with the second spell of another Argentine football giant, Carlos Bianchi at Boca Juniors, the numbers show an abyss between the two processes. According to Argentine News Agency, the comparative analysis demonstrates the difficulties of replicating golden years and illustrates two diametrically opposite endings for the most successful local coaches. 'The Viceroy' and the total reconquest (2003-2004) After leaving at the end of 2001, Bianchi returned to La Boca in 2003 and immediately restored the glory of his first period with young stars like Carlos Tevez. Effectiveness of 53.72%. Titles won: None. The final collapse: He resigned after registering 12 defeats in his last 20 games (a statistic unprecedented for the club since 1910) and having lost 10 of the last 15 local tournament rounds. Argentine News Agency (NA) -- BUENOS AIRES, Feb 23 (NA) -- Marcelo Gallardo's abrupt resignation exposed a statistical balance that strongly contrasts with the illusion his return to River Plate had generated.
