The match at Estadio El Coloso del Parque saw neither team able to secure a win, concluding in a 1-1 draw between La Lepra and El Rojo.
Independiente initially took the lead in the 33rd minute of the first half with a goal from Gabriel Ávalos. However, Newell’s fought back, and it was Michael Hoyos who equalized in the 43rd minute of the second half with a stunning header that found the right corner of the net, assisted by Walter Nuñez.
This moment solidified Hoyos as the standout player of the match, scoring one goal and completing six successful passes, thus earning him the title of the best player on the pitch.
Gabriel Ávalos was another key player in this fixture for Independiente, scoring once and taking two shots on goal, along with providing ten successful passes.
Newell’s coach, Favio Orsi, set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Gabriel Arias as the goalkeeper, with Armando Méndez, Saúl Salcedo, Nicolás Goitea, and Martín Luciano forming the defense. The midfield comprised Jerónimo Gómez Mattar, Rodrigo Herrera, Valentino Acuña, and Facundo Guch, while Matías Cóccaro and Luciano Herrera led the attack.
On the other hand, Gustavo Quinteros’ Independiente adopted a 4-3-3 strategy, with Rodrigo Rey as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Leonardo Godoy, Kevin Lomónaco, Juan Manuel Fedorco, and Facundo Zabala. The midfield was manned by Rodrigo Fernández Cedrés, Lautaro Millán, and Ignacio Malcorra, with Walter Mazzantti, Gabriel Ávalos, and Matías Abaldo up front.
The match at Estadio El Coloso del Parque was officiated by referee Daniel Zamora.
Looking ahead, Newell’s will visit Boca Juniors in their next match, while Independiente will host Vélez.
Substitutions for Newell’s
45’ 2T – Martín Luciano replaced by Jerónimo Russo, and Valentino Acuña replaced by Walter Nuñez.
62’ 2T – Luciano Herrera replaced by Michael Hoyos, and Facundo Guch replaced by Franco García.
79’ 2T – Rodrigo Herrera replaced by David Sotelo.
Yellow Cards for Newell’s:
44’ 1T – Martín Luciano and 12’ 2T – Matías Cóccaro.
Substitutions for Independiente
65’ 2T – Walter Mazzantti replaced by Mateo Pérez Curci, and Lautaro Millán replaced by Diego Tarzia.
83’ 2T – Matías Abaldo replaced by Iván Marcone, and Ignacio Malcorra replaced by Ignacio Pussetto.
Yellow Cards for Independiente:
15’ 1T – Kevin Lomónaco, 38’ 1T – Lautaro Millán, 5’ 2T – Rodrigo Fernández Cedrés, and 36’ 2T – Ignacio Malcorra.