Ahead of the match, River Plate players were on the field at El Monumental engaging in pre-game warm-ups with their physical trainer, Pablo Dolce. Although many fans had yet to arrive, the ones that were present let their frustrations known towards the players. They erupted with the iconic war cry urging the players to show more determination and heart in their gameplay. Chants of 'let’s be clear, players and fans...' resonated as the crowd demanded increased effort from the team.

The fans continued with another intense chant, emphasizing the need for players to truly commit while wearing the team jersey if they were aspiring to achieve championship glory. Just moments before the match commenced, the atmosphere intensified with the traditional chant: 'players, the c... of your mother, let’s see if you put some effort in, as you’re not playing for fun.' This strong display of passion and discontent highlights the high expectations that River Plate fans have for their team, particularly during significant moments such as a farewell event for a beloved figure like Marcelo Gallardo.

This moment not only signifies the farewell of Gallardo, who has been an integral part of River's narrative but also showcases the tense relationship between fans and players when performance levels dip. The emotional investment of the fans in the team dramatically reflects their hopes for accountability and excellence, especially during the competitive season with the 2026 Apertura Tournament approaching, which adds more pressure on the players to deliver results that align with the passionate support they receive.