Gallardo Hands Gonzalo Tapia a Final Chance Amid River Plate’s Tight Schedule

Gonzalo Tapia will get another opportunity to prove himself at River Plate after being left out of recent matchday squads, according to RedGol and Argentine outlet Olé. Amid growing speculation over a potential summer transfer, manager Marcelo Gallardo has reportedly decided to give the Chilean striker one last chance.

Tapia, 22, arrived from Universidad Católica earlier this year and is under contract until December 2028. However, his limited involvement—just 200 minutes over seven appearances, two starts, no goals, and one yellow card—has raised questions about his future. Some reports suggest interest from Major League Soccer clubs.

His opportunity is expected to come on Wednesday, April 23, when River face Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores. Gallardo plans to rotate his squad for that game, preserving his starting XI for the highly anticipated Superclásico against Boca Juniors at the Monumental on April 27. This could open the door for Tapia to see meaningful minutes, possibly even a start.

River Plate is entering a critical stretch of fixtures across domestic and continental competitions, and Gallardo’s strategy of managing workload offers fringe players a narrow window to step up. For Tapia, it’s a pivotal moment that could shape the rest of his season—and perhaps his future with the club.