Not much appears to have changed to both clubs during the summer, both are still suspect defensively and both rely on the individual talents of their captains. Federico Mancuello excelled prior to the injury he sustained in winning the crucial penalty and Maxi Rodríguez was central to everything that Newell’s produced. However, perhaps the difference for El Rojo this season are the goal scoring talents of Lucas Albertengo. The debutant scored twice in the first half to help Jorge Almirón’s side to an excellent opening victory in Rosario.
First impressions are that Independiente will at least be entertaining again this season after a summer of heavy investment. Lucas Ambertengo’s qualities from his time with Atlético Rafaela are no secret to the Argentine Primera but he should provide El Rojo with an outlet which will reduce the burden on captain Mancuello. Last night in Rosario it was his brace that had looked as though it would give Independiente a comfortable opening weekend victory.
It took just 11 minutes for the deadlock to be broken after a fast-paced opening to the match. Matías Pisano eluded the marking of Milton Casco down the right and his cross was volleyed past Oscar Ustari by Albertengo. Newell’s were still a threat but the goal gave Independiente confidence and with Mancuello and Pisano breaking from midfield, a second goal looked likely.
Just after the half hour mark it came when Juan Martín Lucero won the ball back and Mancuello threaded a perfectly weighted pass through for Albertengo. Bearing down on Ustari, the striker made no mistake in stroking the ball into the corner and Américo Gallego’s debut as Newell’s coach, against his old side was quickly turning to disaster.
Things got worse for Gallego when he brought his side out late after half time and he was subsequently sent off. However, his side still reacted positively and within minutes they were back in the game. Nicolás Tagliafico tangled with Maurico Tevez in the box and Maxi Rodríguez thumped the resulting penalty past Ruso Rodríguez.
Independiente were reeling and the defensive frailty that cost them during the Transición reared its head. A sloppy pass on the edge of the Newell’s box following a corner, initiated a sweeping counter attack and within seconds, Víctor Figueroa slid the ball into the net for the equaliser.
With the match delicately poised it was Mancuello who once again provided the impetus for change. Another of the midfielders breaks from deep saw him get to a ball over the top before Ustari and in heading the ball beyond the Newell’s keeper he was caught heavily. Mancuello’s match was ended with the blow to his head, Ustari was lucky to only receive a yellow and Independiente were awarded a penalty. Ruso Rodríguez came forward and confidently stuck the ball past Ustari to restore the lead.
Newell’s were later reduced to ten men after Hernán Bernardello received a straight red for a late challenge on Emiliano Papa and although Independiente had chances to kill off the game through Gabriel Graciani and Jose Valencia it remained 3-2.
golazo argentino 