Independiente beat Rosario Central, keep Sudamericana dream alive | OneFootball

The Red secured a 1-0 victory against the Canalla at the Libertadores de América.

Independiente did everything within its reach and now must wait for its cup dream. In a comeback difficult to imagine, Quinteros' Red ended up winning its last four matches of the Torneo Clausura and finished Saturday still with a remote chance of qualifying for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. It was the last goal for a team that, despite earning the last 12 points consecutively, hosted Rosario Central with no chance of qualifying for the Playoffs. Despite defeating the Canalla 1-0, Riestra, Atlético Tucumán, and Platense, the possibilities had already been mortgaged before.

Independiente couldn't beat the relegated Godoy Cruz (draw) and San Martín de San Juan (losses). Those five points thrown away would have placed them among the top eight and also secured them a spot in the cups via the annual table. Now they must wait for Huracán not to beat Barracas, Lanús to win the Sudamericana, and one of the top teams in the annual table to win the Clausura. It seems difficult, but…

Quinteros' team did their homework. They beat the best team in Argentine football. Although they didn't have Di María and Vélez (preserved due to accumulating four yellow cards and being at risk of suspension), the Rosarinos are a very serious team. They have a very clear game plan, and that's why Independiente beating them was another step forward for a team that is growing and will face the next season with more confidence and goals.

Rey and Montiel, the great figures of Independiente

And this noticeable improvement has a name and surname: Santiago Montiel. The brave number 7 didn't score this time as he did against Riestra, but once again he was the standout player for the Red. Fiery, daring, brave to play and recover the ball. Gigantic. When the ball was at his feet, he sparked and inspired both his teammates and the fans. Beside him, of course, was the other star of the match. And given how the game unfolded, he ended up being involved in the most important plays. It was Rodrigo Rey. The goalkeeper saved a header from Duarte almost on the goal line and clawed away a mishit shot from Modica that was going over him. These were two great saves that secured the last three points of the year.

Independiente won it with a play that was missed in large parts of the year: the headers from Ávalos. The number 9 received a perfect cross from Zabala and at 28 minutes into the first half, he dove to head in the 1-0. By then, the lead was deserved because the visitors' game improved as it progressed. Only when they found themselves at a disadvantage did they dare to do more. In reality, they also exposed some weaknesses of the Red. Especially in the midfield. Strangely, in the second half, Central had time and space to find counters with a lot of open field. One wasn't a goal because Rey anticipated the play and avoided a one-on-one. In the other, because Campaz poorly managed the attack and wasted a four-on-two that smelled like a goal.

Grinding their teeth and with much effort, the Red ended up winning and bid farewell with joy in a year with many problems, but which leaves hope. Now they will sit and wait for some results, knowing that only a miracle will give them a spot in the next Sudamericana. But the important thing is that they have the material for more.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.