Even before kickoff in the Estadio Libertadores de América there was a feeling of apprehension as Jorge Almirón’s side sought to end a run of three matches without a win and celebrate victory in Avellaneda for only the second time this season. It is safe to say that the supporters of El Rojo have not really taken to Almirón despite him leading them to a fourth placed finish in the Transición: the release of club legend Daniel Montenegro, the over reliance on captain Federico Mancuello, a defence which has continued to leak goals and no obvious system that Almirón has any faith in have left the club in the familiar sense of despair.
Saturday evening’s visitors were Argentinos Juniors and in the opening forty-five minutes against Independiente’s 4-4-2 it was Los Bichos were enjoyed the better of things. Federico Mancuello was unable to make an impact on the game, Matías Pisano gave a good illustration of why he is ill-suited to a right wing role in such a formation and the front two were starved of service leaving the youth of Gaspar Iñíguez and the experience of Cristian Ledesma to control midfield for Argentinos.
At half time, Almirón rejigged the formation and sacrificed one of the strikers, taking off Claudio Riaño for Gabriel Graciani and immediately Independiente seemed to have a little more control. Playing with a sole striker with three attacking midfielders was very effective for Independiente during the Transición and so it is a little baffling why Almirón is so often attempting to use a 4-4-2 when it appears to not suit many of the key players. Notably Pisano, as already mentioned, is no right winger as his heavily reliance on his left foot constantly draws him infield and even more importantly it binds Mancuello to more defensive duties in the centre. Mancuello is the driving force to the attack and more often than not the goal threat and whilst playing as one of two central midfielders in a 4-4-2 that presence is shackled.
With the changes Independiente began to exert more pressure and on the hour mark Argentinos defender Patricio Matricardi halted a Pisano-led attack with a deliberate trip, prompting Pablo Lunati to show a second yellow card. It was about the only decision of Lunati’s that was cheered by the home fans as the frustration grew during the final thirty minutes. El Rojo continued to push with an increasing desperation that was being fed by the expectant crowds displeasure. Luis Ojeda thwarted all of Independiente’s efforts that were thrown at him and several penalty appeals went unnoticed as the abuse towards Lunati became louder.
Lunati drew the match to an end and the whistles and jeers rained down on Jorge Almirón. Independiente president, Hugo Moyano may have backed his man publically but it is now four without a win, only three victories all season and one at home. Banfield away is next before the visit of Boca Juniors and the first clásico de Avelleneda at neighbourhood rivals, Racing. Almirón may have survived the poor run so far but if it continues through this run of fixtures it could be over.
golazo argentino 