Independiente Rivadavia returned to the top flight (last time in 1982) as Primera Nacional champions: they beat Almirante Brown 2-0 in extra time in the final. In fact, they made it six matches unbeaten in the second tier, winning four and drawing two. At home, La Lepra claimed 12 victories out of their last 15 games, along with two stalemates and a single defeat. Coach Alfredo Berti resigned after the promotion and Rodolfo De Paoli is now in charge. He arrives alongside 17 new faces, with Gaston Gil Romero (from Guarani, Paraguay), Gonzalo Marinelli (Tigre) and Emmanuel Mas (Colon) as the most noteworthy ones.

Independiente had a disappointing season last term, but they wasted the big chance of advancing to the 2023 Copa Liga Profesional playoffs following a 3-2 away loss to Talleres in the last round. Carlos Tevez’s men won only one of their last five matches in this competition, drawing two and losing two. On away turf, they managed a single victory across the last four, along with one stalemate and two losses. The club signed Gabriel Avalos (from Argentinos Juniors), Gabriel Neves (Sao Paulo FC, Brazil) and Johnny Quinonez (SD Aucas, Ecuador) in a total of five reinforcements.

This will be the debut of Independiente Rivadavia in the top division and despite some changes in their team, I can’t imagine that they will lose against this irregular Independiente that is coming from a disappointing season. I like the hosts’ new coach Rodolfo DePaoli, they’ve added some experienced players to their squad, and should be able to avoid a defeat at home in a stadium that will be packed to see the club’s first Primera Division game in more than 40 years.