Independiente succumbed to a heartbreaking defeat in the derby at Racing Club, having lost 1-0 after conceding shortly the final whistle in spite of playing with more men for about 45 minutes. El Rojo claimed a single victory in their last seven league matches (two draws, four losses) and are languishing in 14th spot on 25 points. The side beat Rosario Central two weeks ago to end a three-match losing run at home in the league. Independiente players Lucas Romero and Cecilio Dominguez received red cards at Racing Club and are suspended, as is Alan Franco after reaching the yellow-card limit. Alexander Barboza returns after missing that game due to gastroenteritis. On Thursday 13, Independiente won 1-0 at home over Fortaleza from Brazil in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s first round.
Sarandi Arsenal wasted the opportunity to climb into one of the Copa Libertadores spots last Monday when they drew at home 1-1 with Talleres. However, El Viaducto is on seven league matches without defeat (three victories and four stalemates) and accumulated 30 points on their return to the top flight. On away turf, Sergio Rondina’s men managed seven points from the last nine on offer.
Independiente was lucky to win midweek after their terrible defeat in the derby vs Racing, and tonight they will have some important missings, so I think Arsenal can take something from this game.