Thomas Ortega’s sending-off in the 16th minute made it hard for Independiente last Sunday when they ended up losing 3-2 at Huracan after leading 2-0 at one point. That result ended El Rojo’s eight-game unbeaten streak of five victories and three draws in domestic action. At home, the team are on five games without defeat in the top flight, registering three wins and two stalemates since losing to Gimnasia LP 1-0 in February. Independiente lost 3-1 at home to Lanus on Thursday 17 in the return leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s quarter-finals, which knocked them out of the competition.
Boca Juniors had to settle for a 1-1 home draw against Sarandi Arsenal last weekend after conceding in the 90th minute. That means Miguel Angel Russo’s men managed a single victory across their last five top-flight matches, drawing two and losing two. The coach’s decision to prioritise the Copa Libertadores and field alternative lineups in the league could explain that negative run. On a positive note, El Xeneize remains unbeaten in seven away domestic matches in 2020, having won six and drawn one. Boca Juniors lost 1-0 at Racing Club on Wednesday 16 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores’ quarter-finals and coach Miguel Angel Russo will continue to pick a young XI in this competition.
Independiente just can’t afford another defeat after the terrible midweek defeat in Copa Sudamericana, and Boca with a reserves squad here as they have a very important game against Racing in a couple of days has to be a rival they can beat.