River Plate is set to play against Banfield in a significant match for the Apertura tournament, which will also serve as a farewell to their renowned coach, Marcelo Gallardo. Gallardo, who has been a pivotal figure for the club, prefers that his departure not be marked with a grand fanfare on the field. Instead, the club released an emotional video highlighting his major contributions as both a player and a coach, underscoring the deep connection he has with River Plate. In their last encounter in 2024 during the Liga Profesional, River Plate emerged victorious with a score of 3-1 at the Monumental stadium. Key players in that match included Pablo Solari and Miguel Borja, who each scored two goals, while Leandro Garate found the net for Banfield. This record highlights River Plate's superiority in recent confrontations. However, both teams did not face each other in the previous season due to their placement in separate zones for the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, which prevented a playoff or cup face-off. As the match approaches, fans are eager to witness the final game of Gallardo, who has been synonymous with River Plate's recent history. His tenure has seen the club achieve significant accomplishments, and his departure marks the end of an era. Both the team and the fans are expected to pay tribute to Gallardo during this momentous occasion, even as he has requested a simple farewell without elaborate ceremonies, reflecting his deep humility and commitment to the club's values.