River Plate continues its downward spiral, with its recent defeat against Vélez exacerbating the team's crisis and shifting attention toward coach Marcelo Gallardo. Once celebrated for leading the club to remarkable success, Gallardo now finds himself at the helm of one of the worst records in the club's history. Over the last 15 matches, River Plate has notched up 10 losses, the most in the Argentine league during that span, surpassing teams like Newell’s and Atlético Tucumán, which have nine losses each and were previously fighting to avoid relegation.

This troubling trend is further emphasized by a broader statistic. Since their elimination by Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores, River has lost 12 of its last 20 matches across all competitions. This level of failure is rare in the club's illustrious history and has not been seen for over four decades, reminiscent of the dismal period between the tenures of coaches José Varacka and Jorge Dominichi in 1983. The question of whether Gallardo will remain in his position as head coach looms large, as the club's passionate fan base calls for change amid this unprecedented turmoil.

As Gallardo grapples with the mounting pressure, the focus will be on how he intends to reverse River's fortunes in the coming matches. Given his previous status as one of the most accomplished coaches in the club’s history, the recent poor performance not only endangers his legacy but also has significant implications for River's standing in Argentine football. The team's management faces a critical decision regarding Gallardo's future, as they weigh the importance of maintaining a figurehead associated with past glory against the need for immediate results to restore stability and confidence within the squad.