River Plate faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Vélez Sarsfield at the José Amalfitani Stadium during the sixth round of the Apertura Tournament 2026. This loss marks River's third consecutive defeat in the tournament, raising questions about the future of their coach, Marcelo Gallardo, as fans express their frustrations online. The solitary goal was scored by Manuel Lanzini, who executed a well-coordinated attack shortly after the match began.

The game started with excitement for Vélez, who capitalized on River's sluggish start. Lanzini's goal came just five minutes into the match when he cleverly navigated a defensive lapse from River by combining with Matías Pellegrini to break through the midfield and take a precise shot on goal. The quick strike set the tone for a match in which River struggled to find their rhythm, leaving them unable to respond effectively.

As rumors swirl about Gallardo's potential departure, fans have taken to social media to share memes reflecting their disappointment and humor in light of the situation. This cultural response underscores how closely fans monitor team performance and engage with the larger narrative of their beloved club, making this loss not just a sports story but also a moment of collective emotional expression among supporters.