Atlético Tucumán thrash Independiente 4-0 on Mele debut in Copa | OneFootball

With goals from Brondo, Nicola, and a brace from Laméndola, the “Dean” defeated the “Red,” who squandered a penalty after a handball by Ferreira.

At the Marcelo Bielsa Stadium, Independiente and Atlético Tucumán kicked off the round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Argentina in a thrilling all-or-nothing showdown.

As the match approached the half-hour mark, the VAR called Facuando Tello over to review a handball inside the box. After watching the play for several minutes, the referee awarded the penalty. Santiago Montiel took the spot kick for Independiente, but the post denied him the goal. Just seconds later, the Red suffered another heavy blow on a lethal counterattack, which Nicolás Laméndola finished perfectly to make it 1-0 for Atlético Tucumán.

Independiente came out asleep for the second half, and Atlético Tucumán made them pay. Laméndola, who had scored the opener, won the ball back and set up Manuel Brondo, who tapped it in under the goal to extend the Dean’s lead just four minutes in. Only five minutes later, the Red once again looked vulnerable at the back, and Franco Nicola scored the third.

With 20 minutes left, Laméndola put the game to bed and scored the fourth against an Independiente side that was mentally shattered. Quinteros brought on the youngsters late in the match, and former Unión player Santiago Mele made his debut in a heavy defeat.

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