This Sunday at the Eva Perón Stadium, Sarmiento and Independiente ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw during their first match of the Clausura season.
The first half saw Joaquín Ardaiz put Sarmiento ahead at the 32-minute mark after a brilliant play. However, Gabriel Ávalos equalized for Independiente just as the second half kicked off, striking within the first minute. Shortly thereafter, Elián Giménez restored Sarmiento’s lead in the 54th minute, but the tenacious Independiente did not back down and leveled the score again with a header from Felipe Loyola in the 82nd minute. The match ended without any further goals.
Joaquín Ardaiz’s goal came following a well-executed cross from Elián Giménez, who passed to the forward, allowing him to outsmart goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey.
Despite dominating possession with an impressive 66% ball control, Independiente was unable to secure the win, and the match concluded with both teams earning a point.
Felipe Loyola was the standout player of the match, contributing one goal, completing 48 key passes, intercepting five balls, and taking two shots on target.
Another key player was Elián Giménez, who netted one goal, completed 14 successful passes, and stole two balls.
Sarmiento’s coach, Javier Sanguinetti, opted for a 4-4-2 formation featuring Lucas Acosta in goal; a defensive line consisting of Jeremías Vallejos, Facundo Roncaglia, Juan Manuel Insaurralde, and Joel Godoy; a midfield hosting Julián Contrera, Carlos Villalba, Elián Giménez, and Gastón González; alongside a forward pair of Santiago Rodríguez and Joaquín Ardaiz.
Independiente, managed by Julio César Vaccari, utilized a 4-3-3 formation, with Rodrigo Rey guarding the nets. The defense included Leonardo Godoy, Kevin Lomónaco, Nicolás Freire, and Federico Vera; the midfield featured Felipe Loyola, Iván Marcone, and Luciano Cabral; while Walter Mazzantti, Gabriel Ávalos, and Santiago Montiel formed the attack.
Referee Daniel Zamora oversaw the match at the Eva Perón Stadium.
Sarmiento’s next fixture in the competition will see them play away against Godoy Cruz, 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 out 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 replaced by Diego Tarzia.
70’ 2T – Iván Marcone was substituted by Pablo Galdames.
79’ 2T – Walter Mazzantti and Leonardo Godoy were replaced by Santiago Hidalgo and Federico Mancuello, respectively.
Cautions for Independiente:
26’ 1T – Luciano Cabral (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement), 30’ 1T – Gabriel Ávalos (Insulting or disapproving of the referee), and 31’ 2T – Kevin Lomónaco (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement).