It had however started as in a dream for Angel Di Maria. On Saturday evening, the Argentinian world champion again trained the lawn of the Gigante de Arroyito with the jersey of Rosario Central, his training club. In front of 48,000 merger supporters, “El Fideo” made his comeback to the country after 18 years spent in Europe. Transferred freely from Benfica, the 37 -year -old was welcomed as a hero, alone in the center of the field, in tears at the time of his presentation. A highlight, full of emotions.
Aligned from the start, Di Maria quickly regained her marks. He even offered the advantage to Rosario Central by transforming a penalty in the 77th minute, triggering an explosion of joy in the stands. Jersey withdrawn, passionate celebration: the scenario seemed ideal for this highly anticipated return. A goal, a solid performance, and the prospect of a victory to launch his return.
But the story suddenly took a darker turn. In the 86th minute, the midfielder of Godoy Cruz, Vicente Poggi, intervened too aggressively on Di Maria, the touch of the calf. The Argentinian veteran collapsed on the ground, visibly very affected, forced to leave the ground on a stretcher, in tears. The atmosphere is suddenly fell into the stadium, the concern replacing the euphoria.
More fear than harm
To add to frustration, this same vicent Poggi came to equalize in additional time (1-1, 90th+5), reducing the hopes of the victory of the Canailles. A cruel end for Rosario Central, who thought he was holding a perfect evening around his found icon.
Fortunately, more fear than harm. After the meeting, Rosario coach Ariel Holan reassured the supporters: Di Maria's injury would not be serious. The player also resumed on the bench a few minutes after his release, lucid enough to assist, helpless, the equalization of Godoy Cruz.
