In one of the strangest nights in Copa Libertadores‘ history, River Plate couldbarely field eleven players to face Independiente Santa Fe and had to startadefensive midfield, Enzo Pérez, in goal. It was the first time thatEl Millonario fielded an outfield player as their goalkeeper.
Last weekend, a covid outbreak struck Marcelo Gallardo‘s side just hours before the Superclásico clash against Boca Juniors in the Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional. Not only they’ve lost the derby, butfive more players tested positive after that game, ruling out 20 players for the continental matchup.
With those absences, River were suddenlyleft withroughlyeleven eligible players to host Santa Fe. With all their goalkeepers isolated, and after Conmebol rejected their request to add two reserve goalies, Enzo Pérez, whowasn’t at full fitness, put on the gloves and fans went wild on social media.
River Plate shockSanta Fe whilehaving an outfield player in goal
Soccer fans were ready to watch the game hoping tolaugh at Pérez dressed as a goalkeeper and eager to see how the hosts dealt with such an awkward lineup. However, everyone wasshocked as River Plate had a strong startand scored twice only six minutes into the game.
What’s worst, the Colombian team has nevertaken advantage of El Millonario’s hardships and Enzo Pérez spent a quiet game without having to make any big effort. Just thescenesof him wearing the gloves andstanding in the goal were hilarious enough, let alonewatching how comfortable he seemedagainst a non-threatening opponent. Fans all over the Internet made the best of it and shared funny memes.
River Plate overcame one of the toughestcircumstances a teamcouldface nowadays. Theyhave suffered a massivecovid outbreak that almost left them without a full lineup, and even though their goalkeeper was an outfield player, they claimed the three points and turned a worrying situation into an unforgettable chapter in South American soccer history.