La Máquina Era

Lore & Background

The nickname was given by Borocotó, a Uruguayan sports journalist working for El Gráfico, after River Plate defeated Chacarita Juniors 6–2 on 12 June 1942. The core group of forwards were Juan Carlos Muñoz, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Ángel Labruna, and Félix Loustau. Other players that were part of the attacking line were Aristóbulo Deambrossi, Carlos Peucelle, and Renato Cesarini. In La Máquina also debuted Alfredo Di Stéfano and goalkeeper Amadeo Carrizo. Due to its style of play, La Máquina is often cataloged as a pioneer in the practice of the so-called Total Football, and the South American predecessor of the Hungarian national teams of the 50's, and the Clockwork Orange Netherlands national team of the 1970's. The team won a total of 10 titles, including four Primera División and three Copa Aldao, among other titles.

Reader's Guide

The first time they played together was on June 28, 1942, in Estadio Monumental v. Platense. River Plate won by 1-0, with Félix Loustau replacing Aristóbulo Deambrossi as left winger. From 1943 to 1946 the team achieved two championships and finished as runner-up twice. Other players that took part of La Máquina were Aristóbulo Deambrossi, Carlos Peucelle, Alberto Gallo and Renato Cesarini.

Did You Know?

• La Máquina won four Primera División titles (1941, 1942, 1945, 1947) and three Copa Aldao (1941, 1945, 1947).
• Adolfo Pedernera was used as a false nine, switching to a more central and withdrawn role.
• When Pedernera transferred to Atlanta, a young Alfredo Di Stéfano took his place.