Twenty-two penalty kicks. A goalkeeper who saved three, then slipped and fired his own attempt over the bar. And by Thursday afternoon, one of South American football's biggest clubs no longer had a coach.
What Happened
River Plate was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday night, losing a penalty shootout to Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe after the match finished 1-1. River goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán had saved three penalties in the shootout before slipping and blazing his own spot-kick over the bar, ending the tie. On Thursday afternoon at River's Monumental Stadium, club president Stefano Di Carlo confirmed head coach Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet was leaving the club by mutual agreement.
Why It Matters
Coudet had only been in charge since March, taking over from Marcelo Gallardo — the most successful coach in River Plate's history. His exit after less than seven months, following elimination from both the Copa Argentina and Copa Sudamericana this season and a last-place standing in his Clausura Tournament zone, underlines how quickly patience runs out at a club of River's size and history.
What We Know
Coudet finishes his River tenure with 14 wins, five draws and eight defeats. Di Carlo, flanked by sporting director Enzo Francescoli, told reporters: "Chacho has expressed his desire to step aside... it is a decision we have reached by mutual agreement." Former River midfielder Leonardo Ponzio, already on the coaching staff, takes over as interim manager and is set to lead the team against Banfield this Sunday in the Clausura Tournament, while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
What People Are Saying
Coudet was candid about his own responsibility, saying "you can't just blame misfortune or bad luck" for the results, and adding: "It is unsustainable at River in terms of results... I was the first one who set deadlines and was clear that at this club you have to win and play well." Argentine media have named Ramón Díaz, Hernán Crespo and Santiago Solari as the frontrunners to replace him, with fan support reportedly strongest for Díaz.
What Happens Next
Ponzio takes interim charge starting with Sunday's league match against Banfield, while River's board works to name a permanent successor. No timeline for that decision has been confirmed.
Key Takeaway
A single missed penalty ended more than a shootout — it ended a coaching era that never fully won over River's fanbase, and now hands the club its second managerial search in under a year.
