Diego Rivas's last dance was as unexpected as it was striking. Retired last year after hanging up his gloves at Racing de Ferrol, this 37-year-old former goalkeeper from Narón now works as a goalkeeper coach at Carballiño of the First Federation. But fate is capricious and had saved for him one last opportunity to show all his talent. And where better than in Riazor, the field where any player of the category wants to leave their mark.
A bizarre situation allowed Rivas to dress short. Firstly, Diego García, the usual starter, seriously injured his Achilles tendon. Manu Figueroa, the team's third goalkeeper, was also injured, so Pablo Brea, a player who arrived on loan last summer from Deportivo, was the logical option. But in order to have this goal, Carballiño's club was obliged to satisfy the fear clause that appears in the transfer contract. That possibility was ruled out for economic reasons and there was no time to sign another goalkeeper, so they decided to register Rivas to play the match.
The result could not be better. “I congratulate Diego Rivas, he has been the best in Arenteiro.” His coach, Javi Rey, said after the game. The goalkeeper put in a gigantic performance in the derby, supporting his team after 1-0 and participating in the play that ended Romay in the 93rd minute.
With the score at 2-1, Diego Rivas appeared again in the 77th minute to score the second goal from David Mella, who had left Ger Novoa in the one-on-one situation. Dépor was afraid, and Arenteiro signed a historic tie in the last breath after a corner kick that was touched by Diego Rivas and ended by former Deportivo player Romay.
“Blessed match and blessed experience. Football is very capricious and has these things. Fate had saved this match for me, I think I deserved it. "I enjoyed the whole game a lot, and finishing it like this was special," Diego Rivas, who returned to play almost a year after retiring after almost a year after being promoted with Rácing Ferrol to LaLiga Hypermotion, told reporters after the match. .
“If nothing strange happens, today will be my last game. I think this was my last dance and I deserved it to be like that,” said the Arenteiro goalkeeping coach, protagonist throughout the week of the Galician derby.
“They have been difficult days for me and the coach -Javi Rey- has always shown me his support. Although my form is not the best, this is like riding a bicycle, you do not forget,” he responded when questioned about his performance, since he supported Arenteiro when he was behind on the scoreboard.
Arenteiro thus achieved a true feat: coming back two goals and tying Deportivo at home. The A Coruña team wanted to be closer to promotion, but they remain four points ahead of Barça B with four games remaining. On Sunday, May 12, the top two in the table will face each other in Riazor to surely decide who will be a second division team next season.
