Buenos Aires - Arabstoday
River Plate secured a return to the Argentinian first division on Saturday, a year after they were relegated for the first time in their illustrious history. Former French international striker David Trezeguet scored in the 49th and 89th minutes as River defeated Almirante Brown 2-0. Twelve months ago, the club were relegated from the country\'s top division for the first time in their 110-year history. The Buenos Aires team are Argentina\'s most successful side, with 33 championships to their name, and their rivalry with Boca Juniors, who are based in the same city, is one of the most intense in all of sport. \"We suffered until today\'s match but we have put River Plate back in the place where they must be,\" said coach Matias Almeyda, who broke down in tears at the final whistle, where he was embraced by loyal assistant Gabriel Amato. \"Today is the end of the difficult time that we and the River fans have experienced. Thanks to the fans who were with us all the time, for their patience.\" River president Daniel Passarella, the former national team coach and FIFA World Cup™-winning captain, was overjoyed by the victory. \"We have woken from a nightmare,\" he said. Around 50,000 fans had packed into the Estadio Monumental and they almost saw Trezeguet celebrate a hat-trick, but the French striker had an 84th-minute penalty saved by Cesar Monasterio in the Almirante goal. Trezeguet finished the season with 13 goals since his move to the club in January from Baniyas in United Arab Emirates. The three points gave River Plate the second division title as they finished on 73 points, one ahead of Quilmes and three in front of Instituto. FIFA .