Marcelo Gallardo's second cycle as River Plate coach was marked by the arrival of reinforcements with inconsistent or very poor performance, so they were never up to the team's level, with the aggravating factor that after leaving the 'Millionaire' squad, they had a good performance in their new clubs. According to a survey by the Argentine News Agency, regarding this tournament, Aníbal Moreno and Fausto Vera started this Opening Tournament as starters and with a good performance, the former a little better than the latter. In contrast, Matías Viña showed a poor level and was even sent off in the second date against Gimnasia y Esgrima (La Plata), while the Ecuadorian Kendry Páez, who was far below the expectations generated around him, is now injured against Vélez. On his part, Tomás Galván returned from his loan at Vélez and was one of the most regular at the start of the year. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ezequiel Centurión also returned after being on loan, but he got injured at the same time as Franco Armani. However, the problem with reinforcements comes from the previous transfer market, for example, striker Maximiliano Salas, who caused a great stir after his stormy exit from Racing, but who has not managed to establish himself today. Similarly, Matías Galarza arrived, who went to Atlanta United of the MLS after a very poor performance, and Juan Carlos Portillo, who today is not available due to a serious injury. The best signing of that time was the Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero, who returned to the club and was the star this summer, beyond the fact that he is now injured and it will be difficult to replace him. If to all this situation is added that many of the players who came to River between the management of Martín Demichelis and especially the 'Muñeco', are now playing very well in their current clubs. Colombian striker Miguel Borja has four goals in five matches with Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates, while Gonzalo 'Pity' Martínez debuted with a goal for an undefeated Tigre in what has gone of the Opening, with a thrashing included to the 'Millionaire'. Defender Milton Casco is a figure in Atlético Nacional of Medellín, where he has played four official matches and accumulates two goals and an assist, in addition to being a figure in two of the mentioned matches. Something similar happens with goalkeeper Jeremías Ledesma, who is an undisputed starter at Rosario Central. On the other hand, midfielders Ignacio Fernández, at Gimnasia, and Enzo Pérez, at Argentinos, did not start well, but their teams are above River in the standings of Zone B of the Opening Tournament.
