Enzo Pérez Returns to La Plata with River: A Blend of Nostalgia and Commitment

Enzo Pérez will have an emotional afternoon this Saturday as River Plate faces Estudiantes at UNO stadium in La Plata, according to Olé. At 39, the Millonario captain returns to a place that shaped his career, where he played from 2007 to 2011 before joining Benfica. This will be his ninth match against Estudiantes, but the first since he left the club in December 2024.

The Mendoza-born midfielder remains closely linked to Estudiantes and its fans, who regard him as a hero from the 2009 Copa Libertadores title. Reports indicate he might receive a tribute before the match, possibly from familiar faces like Juan Sebastián Verón and Agustín Alayes. This could be Pérez’s last outing in La Plata unless the teams face off in the Clausura playoffs.

From a sporting standpoint, the match is a crucial test ahead of River’s important Copa Libertadores quarterfinal against Palmeiras. Marcelo Gallardo has managed Pérez’s playing time carefully, keeping it below half of River’s recent minutes to prepare him for essential games. This match allows him to regain his rhythm after a period of limited play.

Pérez’s return to Estudiantes brings feelings of loyalty and affection. River is his favorite club, but Estudiantes holds a significant place in his past. For the experienced midfielder, the afternoon in La Plata promises to be both a warm reunion and a tough challenge at this pivotal point in his career.