Independiente stepped firmly in Mendoza and took the first step with Ayrton Costa’s goal

A touch up of Carlos Tevez at halftime it was essential for Independiente beat the tough Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza 1-0. After a very bad first half, the coach of the Avellaneda team moved the pieces with the entry of Santiago Tolazadriver of the countercoup that culminated with the celebration of Ayrton Costawho went from defender to full-back in that second half.

The Bautista Gargantini stadium looked great, with all the stands full and even the stairs completely occupied by fans. After, It was the return of Independiente Rivadavia to the top category after 41 years. It is worth remembering that Mendoza Leprosy only participated in the old National tournaments. And that external fervor was transferred onto the field and that is why the locals were far superior to those led by Tevez, who ended with a very unfriendly face in the initial stage.

The schemes were mirrors: 5-3-2. But Leprosy prevailed in the midfield and showed more mobility in attack. Thus, the Avellaneda team stayed halfway and the performance left more doubts than certainties. Marcone and Mancuello did not stand up and Red looked slow. The Ecuadorian debutant Johnny Quiñónez He was timid, although he showed some interesting things, such as his punch and speed to go from defense to attack.

It was a passionate Independiente Rivadavia team; It was more effortful than showy. With the momentum he was able to be more than his rival. The magnifying glass of many was focused on the attacking duo, Alex Arce and Matías Reali, two that broke it in the First National and that were surveyed by several clubs. Of the two, Reali was the most participatory, floating throughout the attacking front and asking for the ball in almost all actions. Yes, he didn’t mind making his debut against one of the greats. A peculiarity of the 26-year-old, 165-centimetre forward: he hits it with both legs. In one sequence he took a corner with his right foot and in the next action he took it with his left foot. And in both he hit it well.

The fervor of the home team did not translate into many scoring opportunities. Anyway, Rodrigo Rey had to wallow to deflect a long shot from Juan Manuel Vázquez and an offensive advance from Emmanuel Mas after one of Riali’s corner kicks. He also had a clear header from Francisco Petrasso that went straight into Rey’s hands.

It was difficult for Independiente to be sharp in attack. Mauricio Isla almost did not project himself with the right. The most disturbing thing about the Avellaneda team were the set pieces, all handled by Mancuello. A header from Aguilar and another from Laso was the only thing that stood out. Too little for a team that dreams of being a protagonist in the League Cup.

Tevez and his field assistants saw it and were able to modify the course of the game for the complement. The entry of Santiago Toloza for Damián Pérez was vital not only because of what the attacking midfielder played, but because of the change in scheme that occurred. El Rojo started playing 4-3-1-2 and with that they managed to win. It is true that the early goal also helped.

The winning goal came with a perfect counterattack, a Bundesliga goal. Canelo extended for Ávalos, who held on towards Toloza and he enabled the loner Ayrton Costa -playing as a left back he was more productive than as a defender- who defined strongly and crossly before the departure of Marinelli.

With the advantage everyone grew, mainly Iván Marcone, who managed the team’s times from his sector. The local team only tried with deliveries to the area or with set pieces. De Paoli’s set was blurred, and he found no tools on the bench.

Another one who improved was Ávalos, the most expected reinforcement. The former Argentines played very well with his back to the goal, but he lacked in front. He had two clear situations to define the duel: in one he finished from inside the area over the crossbar; In the other, he defined a one-on-one shot against the post and also missed the rebound.

Independiente started off on the right foot, a team that will seek to fight in this League Cup that has just emerged. And he has something to dream about: a team in formation and a coach who is growing game by game.