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Gonzalo Montiel set to join AS Roma from River Plate

Roy Nemer
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24

Gonzalo Montiel is set to join AS Roma from River Plate following the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores.

Montiel has been linked with several clubs in the past transfer markets and it now looks like he will finally leave River Plate. Per a report by TNT Sports, Montiel will be travelling to Italy and join AS Roma after the end of the Copa Libertadores. Per the report, the offer is of €7 million with his contract expiring at the end of June.

Having just turned 24 years of age, the right back has played six times for the Argentina national team. He was key in River’s 2018 Copa Libertadores victory and is regarded as one of the, if not the best in his position in South America.

Boca Juniors held to scoreless draw vs. Santos in first leg Copa Libertadores semi final

Roy Nemer
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6

Boca Juniors were held to a 0-0 draw vs. Santos in their first leg of the semi finals in the Copa Libertadores.

It was a match to forget, with very little clear cut chances for both sides but Boca could consider themselves a bit lucky. Late in the second half, Izquierdos appeared to have fouled Marinho in the penalty area but after reviewing with VAR, the referee decided not to call the penalty.

There will be all to play for next week in the second leg in Brazil as Boca will want to qualify for the final. As it stands, things look very difficult for an all Argentine final after River’s 3-0 loss to Palmeiras on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi scores twice in FC Barcelona 3-2 win vs. Athletic Bilbao

Roy Nemer
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1

Lionel Messi scored twice for Barcelona in their 3-2 win vs. Athletic Bilbao.

Messi managed two goals and was involved in the third for Barcelona as they slowly continue to climb in the league. The first goal saw Messi send in a lovely cross over to Frenkie de Jong who would pull it back to Pedri for the goal to draw Barcelona level.

The second goal was a lovely one-two between Pedri and Messi. The Argentine would get the ball, pass it to Pedri as Pedri would backheel it back to Messi who would score to give Barcelona the 2-1 lead. However, Messi wasn’t done just yet.

Barcelona would take the lead and through a second Messi goal, arguably better than his first. Griezmann would play a pass into the penalty area as Messi’s shot would hit the crossbar and go in to give Barcelona the win.

In addition to his two goals, Messi also hit the post twice. He is now on nine goals and four assists in 16 matches with 12 goals in 20 matches including the Champions League.

Roberto Pereyra scores for Udinese in 2-2 draw vs. Bologna

Roy Nemer
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9

Roberto Pereyra scored for Udinese in their 2-2 draw vs. Bologna.

Pereyra scored his first goal of the season for Udinese as he drew them 1-1 level vs. Bologna. It was initially a strike by Rodrigo de Paul which was saved by the goalkeeper but Pereyra would get the second chance and score from close range.

In addition to Pereyra and de Paul, Udinese also had goalkeeper Juan Musso in their starting eleven. For Bologna, the veteran Rodrigo Palacio also started for them.

River Plate lose 3-0 vs. Palmeiras in Copa Libertadores semi final first leg

Roy Nemer
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9

River Plate lost 3-0 vs. Palmeiras in their first leg semi final match in the Copa Libertadores.

Last year’s finalists will have to pull a rabit out of a hat if they want to reach a third consecutive Copa Libertadores final appearance. A 3-0 defeat to Brazilian side Palmeiras, with the second leg to be played in Brazil, means Marcelo Gallardo’s men have their backs against the wall.

Despite getting scoring opportunities early in the match, it was Palmeiras who would take advantage from a Franco Armani goalkeeping error. A low cross into the penalty area was cleared by Armani but only for it to land on Rony’s feet and the Palmeiras man would score as Armani was still backtracking to give his team the 1-0 lead.

The second goal would come off a counter attack. River would find themselves dispossessed in midfield as Luiz Adriano would run clear on goal against Armani who would come out to try and block the shot but Palmeiras would end up doubling their lead early in the second half.

Things would go from bad to worse for Gallardo. Frustration by Jorge Carrascal would see him getting sent off. Matias Vina would make it 3-0 off the resulting free kick. A cross sent into the area and Vina would score off the header to give Palmeiras a commanding 3-0 lead going into the second leg.

Both teams will play each other on January 12 in the second leg to see who makes the final.

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