Independiente beat Rosario Central, keep Sudamericana hopes alive | OneFootball

El Rojo took the victory 1-0 against el Canalla at the Libertadores de América.

Independiente did everything within its reach and now must wait for its cup dream. In a comeback that was hard to imagine, Quinteros’ Rojo 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 collecting the last 12 points in a row, welcomed Rosario Central already out of chances to qualify for the Playoffs. Because even after beating el Canalla 1-0, Riestra, Atlético Tucumán, and Platense, their chances had already been mortgaged before.

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

Quinteros’ team did its homework. They beat the best team in Argentine football. Even though they didn’t have Di María and Vélez (who were preserved due to accumulating four yellow cards and being at risk of suspension), the team from Rosario is a very serious side. They have a very clear playing style, and that’s why Independiente beating them was another step forward for a team that’s been growing and will face next season with more confidence and new objectives.

Rey and Montiel, the great figures of Independiente

And this notable improvement has a name and surname: Santiago Montiel. The fierce number 7 didn’t score this time as he did against Riestra, but once again he was the difference-maker for el Rojo. Lively, daring, brave in play and in recovering the ball. Huge. When the ball went through his feet, he inspired and sparked both his teammates and the fans. At his side, 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. That was Rodrigo Rey. The goalkeeper saved a header from Duarte almost on the goal line and tipped away a mishit shot from Modica that was going in over him. Those were two great saves that secured the last three points of the year.

Independiente won it with a play that had been missing for much of the year: Ávalos’ headers. This time, the number 9 received a perfect cross from Zabala and at 28 minutes into the first half dove in with a header to make it 1-0. By then, the lead was deserved, because the visitors’ performance went from less to more. Only when they found themselves behind did they dare to do more. In reality, they also exposed some of Rojo’s weaknesses, especially in midfield. Strangely, in the second half Central had time and space to find counterattacks with lots of open field. One wasn’t a goal because Rey anticipated the play and prevented a one-on-one. In another, Campaz managed the attack very poorly and wasted a four-on-two that smelled like a goal.

Clenching their teeth and with a lot of effort, el Rojo ended up winning and said goodbye with joy in a year full of problems, but one that leaves hope. Now they’ll 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.