El Rojo, Tevez, and a tense Zone A clash in Rosario

El Rojo leads Zone A with a sea of supporters packed around the hotel where the squad is staying alongside a nearby rival. The energy in the air is unmistakable, a tangible reminder that football culture in this league thrives on visible, vocal backing even before the whistle.
There is no mistaking the arrival of Carlos Tevez, a moment that brings reassurance to Independiente. While the battle to stay in the top division remains fierce, Tevez’s presence has injected fresh optimism after three straight wins. Those victories have narrowed the gap to six points behind Huracán and kept Independiente among the upper teams in Zone A, where the battle remains tight and fiercely contested.
To defend that position in both the league and regional standings, El Rojo heads to Rosario to challenge Central, a side arriving at Arroyito with momentum and a determination to post a first defeat for the era of the recently dismissed coach from 2022. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, at 9 p.m., taking place at the Gigante del Arroyito, a venue famous for its electric atmosphere and the fervent support from both sets of fans.
It was in that city that supporters gathered at the Ros Tower Hotel, turning the welcome into a wave of color and sound. Flags waved as the players stepped out to greet the crowd and joined in a chorus that underscored a shared resolve: tomorrow we fight, tomorrow we win, no matter what it takes. The moment captured the heart of a club whose fans travel long distances for a common purpose.
In terms of the lineup, the coach has a clear plan and the only tactical adjustment is the removal of Ayrton Costa from the starting XI, with Felipe Aguilar stepping in as the central defender. The starting lineup features Rodrigo Rey in goal; Mauricio Isla, Felipe Aguilar, Joaquín Laso, Javier Báez, and Damián Pérez forming the back line; and a midfield trio of Santiago Toloza, Iván Marcone, and Federico Mancuello. Up front, Alexis Canelo partners Matias Giménez, creating an attacking shape aimed at pressuring Central high up the pitch and exploiting gaps in the home side’s defense.
As kickoff nears, both teams outline plans built on common themes: solid defending, quick transitions, and a high-press approach once possession is won. The atmosphere surrounding this clash underlines why fans see the game as more than a point on the scoreboard; it is a tradition steeped in rivalry, pride, and the ongoing pursuit of regional dominance.