1966 Copa Libertadores Finals

Renato Cesarini (left) and president Antonio Liberti after the match. Liberti made Cesarini and goalkeeper Amadeo Carrizo responsibles for the defeat in the playoff

The defeat in the playoff v. Peñarol (by 4–2 after River won 2–0 at the end of the first half) was a quite a shock for River Plate. The team returned to Argentina to play the domestic league match v. Banfield. During the match, Banfield supporters threw a chicken (with its body painted a red sash) into the field to make fun of River Plate players.

Since that time, and up to present days, the nickname gallinas has remained to refer to River Plate when the team loses a match that could have won.[2]

Other versions refer to a lack of commitment of some River Plate players, stating that manager Renato Cesarini would have shout "I was betrayed" (by the players) after the match.[3]

When the second half began, we changed. River Plate was winning very easily. Because of that, we thought that we needed to change the match sorrounding rather strategic moves. We were desperate and therefore we drew from illicit resources, that's true. We even said them that in case they won, we would look for them to their changing room and hotel. It became a climate of war from which we took a great advantage, given the pasiveness of River players.

— Peñarol player Néstor Gonçalves in an interview for El Gráfico, some years after the final [3]

At the end of the match, River Plate president Antonio Liberti blamed on Cesarini for the defeat, speaking directly to him: "I think this match was not won by Peñarol. (On the contrary), I think it was River that lost this match. In my opinion, the defeat began from the bench, with the substitutions made. The match was lost by Renato Cesarini". After listening to Liberti, Cesarini agreed with him.

Nevertheless, Liberti held goalkeeper Amadeo Carrizo responsible for the defeat with harsch words to refer to him. Liberti said: "the other responsible is that man, Carrizo... It's easy to mock the rival when conditions are favorable; but someone must know how to be brave in adverse conditions... this man was born well starred. He's the untouchable. I would like to know when he won a responsibility match in 20 years playing for the club... since he stopped that ball with his chest, the match changed... a serious players should not do silly things [note 1]. To be a man, other things are necessary..."[4]