River draws in debut in Florencio Varela Marcelo Gallardo’s team drew 0-0 against Defensa y Justicia, even though it had several scoring chances, on Matchday 1 of the Professional Football League.

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Both teams were protagonists, each having several scoring chances since the beginning, which resulted in an exciting back-and-forth match. River made two runs up the right-hand side of the field: a deflected header from Esequiel Barco and a cross from Santiago Simon that was blocked by Ezequiel Unsain. In the home team's counterattack, Carlos Rotondi ran up the field, but Agustin Fontana lost his chance to score.

El Millonario had another scoring chance thanks to Simon, but Braian Romero missed his shot in a good position to score. Barco also had a chance, with an overlapping run and a right-footed shot that was saved by the home keeper. Ezequiel Centurion saved a shot from Fontana and then, on another clear scoring chance for the home team, River’s keeper reacted incredibly to save another shot. River had the last chance of the first half and almost took the lead thanks to an own goal off a move by Simon.

Both teams lost intensity in the second half and there weren't as many dangerous plays as in the first half. River tried to score with short passes and quick runs. Near the 70th minute, Enzo Fernandez received the ball from Barco, but his crossed left-footed shot lacked power.

For its part, Defensa y Justicia barely threatened Centurion’s goal. Nonetheless, the team had a clear chance toward the end that was saved by Jonatan Maidana on the line. Thus, el Millonario’s debut as current PFL champion in Florencio Varela resulted in a goalless draw; on the next matchday, on Saturday, River will welcome Atletico Tucuman at the Mâs Monumental Stadium.

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