Argentinian midfielder played in a Copa Libertadores match as a goalkeeper

Enzo Perez made it. An influential midfielder, a former Valencia and Benfica regular played at another position with success, as his River Plate won against Santa Fe with Perez playing – goalkeeper.

It is not often seen that in serious and important matches, someone who is not a goalkeeper plays the position. In fact, you don’t get to see that even in a friendly matches. But, Covid time produces great challenges and the Argentinian club was faced with one.

River dries up

River Plate reported six more Covid-19 cases among players and staff on Monday, two days before their big Copa Libertadores group clash with Colombia's Santa Fe. The new cases came after 15 players tested positive ahead of Sunday's Argentinian League Cup game with arch-rivals Boca Juniors, won by Boca on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

With only 10 fit players and no goalkeeper, drastic measures were taken and Enzo Perez took on the gloves and moved between the sticks. And it was a success, as the Argentinian club won 2-1. He wore a fluorescent jersey and defended like a real goalkeeper. A heroic act that won many sympathies, and River fans will not forget this. Enzo’s team mates rose to the occasion, as they came out on the field like warriors, and used the best weapon for defending – attack. With a rookie goalkeeper, they new they had to attack, and within six minutes they scored two goals, enough for the victories.

Santa Fe tried everything, even shots from distance, knowing who is the keeper, but it didn’t helped, as Enzo capitulated only once. TV camera’s were often picturing Santa Fe’s coach, who couldn’t believe his players inability to score against the fake keeper. In the end, River won, nobody got hurt (othervise they would have to play with 10 men, they had no substitutes) and Enzo Perez was even named man of the match. With this victory, River saved the chances for the first place in the group.