Pedro Alexi González, an Argentine football legend who shone for San Lorenzo de Almagro and River Plate, revisited his long career in an interview published by La Nación AR Deportes this week. The former right winger, now 80, was a key piece in the 1968 Metropolitano title with Los Matadores and later in the River team that ended an 18-year trophy drought.
How did Pedro González get to San Lorenzo de Almagro?
Born in Bella Vista, Corrientes, Pedro González made his first-division debut at age 15 in the local league with Club Lipton. After a frustrated stint at Argentinos Juniors, he arrived at San Lorenzo on the recommendation of Eduardo Seferián to the president of the club's youth divisions. He debuted for the first team in 1966 and scored 6 goals the following year. His definitive chance came in 1968 when an injury to Bambino Veira and Doval's suspension made him the starter on the right wing. "Fue algo muy fuerte, el boom total" (It was something very strong, the total boom), González recalled about that moment.
What does he remember about the 1968 championship team?
González formed the attacking line of the champion team alongside Tim, Veglio and Fischer. He played as a right midfielder in a side that, by his own account, attracted fans from other clubs and filled the Gasómetro stadium. He mentioned teammates like Albrecht, Villar, Toscano Rendo, Cordero Telch, Victorio Cocco and Lobo. That Metropolitano was the only title he won with the blue-and-red shirt, before moving to Peru's Defensor Lima in 1973, where under managers Miguel Tojo and Roberto Challe he learned to play shorter passes and start deeper.
What was his time at River Plate and his current role?
In 1975, Pedro González signed for River Plate and became one of the heroes who ended the club's long drought. He won seven titles up to 1981. A headed goal of his against Independiente in 1976 at Vélez's stadium broke a streak of four Libertadores losses. Since 2010 he has worked at the Núñez club, initially with the seventh, eighth and ninth grade youth groups, and now as a scout, traveling from Río Gallegos to Jujuy. "Me encanta este laburo" (I love this job), he stated. He only visits Corrientes a couple of times a year to watch players.
What is the current situation of San Lorenzo de Almagro?
While González reminisces about the glorious past, the current San Lorenzo de Almagro is going through a tough spell in the Liga Profesional Argentina. The team sits 14th in the table with just 7 points, from 2 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in 7 games. Their goal difference is negative (-3), with only 2 goals scored and 5 conceded. They just lost 1-0 to leaders Instituto and are 9 points off the top. Recent form is concerning: 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses in the last five matches, including two consecutive defeats. You can check the championship progress on our standings page.
What's next for El Ciclón?
The next challenge for San Lorenzo de Almagro will be a classic away at Independiente on September 13. The Avellaneda side is currently seventh in the standings, promising a demanding match. The Boedo team urgently needs to reverse its form to avoid falling further behind the top positions. Squad details and upcoming fixtures can be followed in the squad and fixtures sections. Pedro González, who confessed he enjoyed his football more at River due to tactical evolution, now watches from a different vantage point the performance of the club where he began to forge his legend.
