On Sunday at Estadio Eva Perón, Sarmiento and Independiente played out a captivating 2-2 draw in the first round of the Clausura.
The match kicked off with Sarmiento taking the lead at the 32-minute mark, thanks to a brilliant play by Joaquín Ardaiz. He received a cross from Elián Giménez, accepted the ball, and fired past goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey.
However, the Red team responded swiftly, with Gabriel Ávalos equalizing just a minute into the second half (0’ 2T). Sarmiento regained the advantage with a stunning effort from Elián Giménez (9’ 2T), but Independiente showcased their resilience, and Felipe Loyola’s header brought them back into the game (37’ 2T).
Despite controlling 66% of possession, Independiente failed to find the net again, and the match concluded with the score tied.
Felipe Loyola was named the man of the match, contributing significantly with one goal, 48 key passes, five interceptions, and two attempts on goal.
Elián Giménez also shone for Sarmiento, netting a goal, completing 14 passes, and making two ball recoveries.
The manager of Sarmiento, Javier Sanguinetti, fielded a 4-4-2 formation with Lucas Acosta in goal; a defensive line of Jeremías Vallejos, Facundo Roncaglia, Juan Manuel Insaurralde, and Joel Godoy; a midfield comprising Julián Contrera, Carlos Villalba, Elián Giménez, and Gastón González; and a forward duo of Santiago Rodríguez and Joaquín Ardaiz.
Meanwhile, Julio César Vaccari’s Independiente lined up in a 4-3-3 structure, featuring Rodrigo Rey in goal; a defensive setup with Leonardo Godoy, Kevin Lomónaco, Nicolás Freire, and Federico Vera; a midfield trio of Felipe Loyola, Iván Marcone, and Luciano Cabral; and an attack led by Walter Mazzantti, Gabriel Ávalos, and Santiago Montiel.
The officiating duties were handled by referee Daniel Zamora.
Looking ahead, Sarmiento will take on Godoy Cruz in their next match, while Independiente will host Talleres.
Substitutions for Sarmiento
64’ 2T – Joaquín Ardaiz was replaced by Franco Frías, Julián Contrera by Leandro Suhr, and Santiago Rodríguez by Iván Morales.
86’ 2T – Carlos Villalba was substituted for Jonatan Gómez.
Cautions for Sarmiento:
23’ 1T – Carlos Villalba (Unsporting behavior), 20’ 2T – Iván Morales (Unsporting behavior), and 43’ 2T – Jonatan Gómez (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Independiente
55’ 2T – Federico Vera was substituted for Diego Tarzia.
70’ 2T – Iván Marcone was replaced by Pablo Galdames.
79’ 2T – Walter Mazzantti was replaced by Santiago Hidalgo, and Leonardo Godoy was substituted for Federico Mancuello.
Cautions for Independiente:
26’ 1T – Luciano Cabral (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing), 30’ 1T – Gabriel Ávalos (Insulting or disapproving of the referee), and 31’ 2T – Kevin Lomónaco (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing).