SOCCER-LIBERTADORES/RIVER-TIGRES Coaches react: River on course after Tigres tread water at home

Record ID: 145654

  • Title: SOCCER-LIBERTADORES/RIVER-TIGRES Coaches react: River on course after Tigres tread water at home
  • Date: 30th July 2015
  • Summary: MONTERREY, MEXICO (JULY 29, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR VOLCANO STADIUM TIGRES FANS HAVING PICTURE TAKEN WITH GOALKEEPER NAHUEL GUZMAN GENERAL VIEW OF NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RIVER COACH, MARCELO GALLARDO, SAYING: "We had to overcome all kind of difficulties and today was not easy against a great team with good players, with all of its supporters. Heat, I repeat
  • Embargoed: 14th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA9MKEO4LJ8I0TA3WML6ZS7CKEI
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: River Plate moved into position to claim a third Libertadores Cup title on Wednesday (July 29) when the Argentine side held Tigres to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the final, giving them the edge going into the home fixture in Buenos Aires next week.
    Tigres pushed forward for a majority of the contest but failed to score at home for the first time in this year's competition and were left kicking themselves for not building up any kind of lead to take to the southern hemisphere.
    Although the more experienced Argentine side contained their hosts in midfield, Tigres had the best chances of a pulsating contest.
    River coach, Marcelo Gallardo, told a news conference the draw has stood his team in good stead.
    "We had to overcome all kind of difficulties and today was not easy against a great team with good players, with all of its supporters. Heat, I repeat, was an important factor. They were unable to beat us so that leaves us in a good position for next Wednesday's game at the Estadio Monumental," Gallardo said.
    Gallardo added he thought his players had shown great strength.
    "Today, my players gave their all with each pass and when mental and physical exhaustion kicked in, they regrouped and defended. That is what I saw. The greatness of these players to overcome any adversity, to stand out, because it's not easy faced with a decisive Copa Libertadores final and we are excited together with all of Rivers' supporters," Gallardo added.
    Tigres coach Ricardo Ferretti, said his team would not be intimidated when playing away in Buenos Aires.
    "I think the team did everything but were unable to score. Naturally, people may have different opinions but as Passarella (referring to Daniel Passarella, former River Plate coach) said the stadium does not come into play and I think I have, like they do (River), very capable, level-headed players and I think we won't be scared over there (Buenos Aires), just like they weren't scared over here (Monterrey)," Ferretti said.
    A sell-out crowd is expected at the Monumental stadium in the hope of seeing River win the competition for the first time since 1996.
    Gallardo is aiming to become just the seventh man to win the Libertadores as both a player and a coach.
    A win for Tigres would make them the first Mexican side ever to win a competition considered the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
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