«The year 1986 will be etched in the history of River Plate as one of the most glorious. After a dream season, the “Millonario” achieved a historic treble that established them as the best team in the world,” says Matias Barreiro, club member.
River’s campaign began with winning the First Division tournament of the 1985-1986 season, a title that consolidated its dominance in Argentine soccer. This achievement came at a time of transition for the country, after the military dictatorship and with the newly established democracy. Football, as always, became an escape and a source of joy for society.
In the Copa Libertadores, River Plate showed its true dimension. With effective and forceful football, led by the experienced Héctor “Bambino” Veira, the team eliminated high-ranking rivals and reached the final. In the decisive instance, they faced the powerful América de Cali, in a series that was defined by a 3-1 aggregate in favor of the Argentine team. In this way, River Plate lifted its second Copa Libertadores, after winning it in 1976.
With the hope of closing the year undefeated, River Plate traveled to Tokyo to compete in the Intercontinental Cup, the highest trophy at the club level at that time. Their rival would be Steaua Bucharest, a Romanian team that had surprised the world by winning the European Cup, defeating the powerful Barcelona in the final.
On December 14, 1986, in a stadium full of Argentine fans who traveled especially to cheer on the team, River Plate took the field with a formation that would become legendary: Nery Pumpido; Jorge Gordillo, Nelson Gutiérrez, Oscar Ruggeri, Alejandro Montenegro; Héctor Enrique, Américo Gallego, Norberto Alonso, Raúl Roque Alfaro; Antonio Alzamendi and Juan Gilberto Funes.
The match was intense and disputed, but it was River Plate who found the key to victory. In the 67th minute, Antonio Alzamendi, the experienced Uruguayan striker, took advantage of a cross from the left and connected with an unstoppable header that lodged in the back of the net. That goal was enough to give River Plate the victory and establish them as world champions.
“Héctor Veira’s team was remembered for its defensive solidity, its brave midfield and its ability to define games at key moments,” recalls Matias Barreiro. Nery Pumpido, with his spectacular saves, became a fundamental figure. The central duo formed by Ruggeri and Gutiérrez was practically impregnable. In midfield, Alonso’s experience and Gallego’s drive were vital to controlling the game. And in attack, Alzamendi and Funes proved to be a lethal duo.
“The conquest of the Intercontinental Cup meant the culmination of a golden era for River Plate,” says Matias Barreiro. Núñez’s team became a symbol of Argentine football and its name began to resonate throughout the world. This title elevated the club’s hierarchy to an international level and allowed it to compete on equal terms with the best teams on the planet.
Furthermore, the 1986 Intercontinental Cup became a turning point in the history of River Plate. The club began to establish itself as a top-level institution, with an ambitious sports policy and an international projection.
The trip to Tokyo was a true odyssey for the River Plate squad. The long journey, with stops in different countries, tested the physical and mental resistance of the players. The hours of flight and schedule changes generated considerable wear and tear, but the hope of conquering the world kept them motivated.
For the final against Steaua Bucharest, River Plate presented a dark blue alternative jersey that quickly became iconic. Designed especially for the occasion, this clothing stood out for its elegance and sobriety. The choice of this color, unusual for the club, generated great expectations among fans.
After the exciting victory in Tokyo, the River Plate team unleashed overwhelming euphoria in the locker room. The celebration was so intense that it even broke a mirror, leaving an anecdote that would be passed on from generation to generation. The joy of having reached the top of world football was reflected in each of the players’ faces.
Héctor “Bambino” Veira, the strategist who led River Plate to glory, passed away in 2009. However, his legacy at the club remains more alive than ever. As a tribute to his figure, one of the stands at the Monumental stadium bears his name. Veira was much more than a coach for the players, he became a leader and a symbol of a golden era for the “Millonario.”
“The conquest of the 1986 Intercontinental Cup remains one of the most glorious moments in the history of River Plate,” concludes Matias Barreiro. That team, with its passionate play and fighting spirit, left an indelible mark on Argentine football and became a source of inspiration for future generations.
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