Match Report

A night to remember for Carlos Tevez as Independiente won the Clasico de Avellaneda on Saturday night 2-0, with an early goal from Alexis Canelo and a late penalty from Braian Martínez. Capitalising on defensive mistakes it was Independiente’s first Clasico win away from home for the first time since 2017-18.

The visitors struck first, inside four minutes after a bright start from the hosts. After gaining possession on the right flank Nazareno Colombo’s lazy pass to Gastón Martirena was stolen by Braian Martínez. Martínez drove forward into space and crossed into the box for an easy finish from Alexis Canelo. 

It was a dream start for Carlos Tevez’s side who from then on looked to take the game away from Racing, playing the game at their speed and deploying a block in front of the Independiente box, which Racing struggled to break down all night. 

Independiente had the best chances of the half, despite Racing controlling 67% of the possession in the opening period. One such chance fell to Lucas González, who replaced the injured Federico Mancuello after 14 minutes. González’s stinging volley from the edge of the area glanced off Sigali and went narrowly wide of Gaby Arias’ goal, who was well beaten by the drive. 

Independiente, always dangerous on the counterattack, should have made it 2-0 on the stroke of time. Juan Quintero’s speculative free kick from all of 45 yards out was fumbled by Rodrigo Rey in the Independiente goal but Racing failed to capitalise, instead a long ball was played forward leaving Braian Martínez one-on-one with the onrushing Arias. Attempting to place the ball in the top corner, Martínez missed the target and Racing would have 45 minutes to battle back. 

Racing’s best effort in the first half was a header from Aníbal Moreno which struck the bar from one of their five corners in the period. 

Both coaches made changes at half time, Racing also changed shape to four at the back with Almandra coming in for Piovi who was lucky to stay on the pitch in the first half with a number of niggling fouls after receiving a yellow card. 

Sigali forced a sharp save from Rey, who hit his head on the post in the course of making the save, with a header aimed low to the keeper/s bottom corner. Rey received treatment and was able to stay in the game.  

The game continued in much the same way as it had in the first half, Racing would control the bulk of possession but were unable to break down the Independiente block and looked to have no idea of how to do so. Racing played the game as 11 individuals, rather than a team with a coherent plan. There was no real build-up or link-up play and Racing resorted to high balls into the congested penalty area which Rey would gladly, and easily gather, before taking his time with his delivery. 

As Racing grew desperate to find an equaliser, the game took on a frenetic feeling, with much of the second half being played like it was the 93rd minute, Independiente always looked in control and ready to spring a counter. The visitors found success attacking down the right flank, and after a slick passing move, Canelo found Martínez in the area but his one-time effort struck the crossbar. 

The visitors attacked the right side again, and this time, substitute Matías Giménez turned Colombo who threw himself to the ground to block the resulting shot and, after a lengthy VAR review and a scuffle that saw both captains booked, the referee awarded a penalty for handball. Martínez cooly slotted the penalty down the middle as Arias guessed wrong. 

The final minutes of the contest played out in front of a motionless Gago, sat, rooted to his bench in the dugout surely knowing this was the end of the line. A sad end to what has been at times an exciting and enjoyable few seasons with the ex-Real Madrid star at the helm, but this was a performance devoid of ideas and cohesion. 

As the final whistle blew, the Independiente players danced and sang as the Racing players headed for the tunnel, whilst fans shouted their fury from the stands. Carlos Tevez has written himself into folklore at Independiente, their first manager to win the Clasico in El Cilindro in six attempts. 

Racing will look to bounce back with a new face in the dugout next Sunday against Platense, whilst Independiente will travel to Argentinos Jrs on Saturday night.