La Paternal hosts Matador as Independiente seeks momentum in Libertadores de América
La Paternal has never been a simple stop for El Rojo, and yet the club arrives at Libertadores de América with renewed resolve as it welcomes Matador. Recent results reflect a team sharpened by a stumble, now chasing momentum and a steadier position in the standings. Every point carries weight as the relegation battle tightens and the schedule accelerates toward the final stretch.
The arrival of Ricardo Zielinski signaled a clear shift in approach. Independiente earned a second win of the season against Belgrano and forced Argentinos Juniors to settle for a 2-2 draw after failing to protect a two-goal lead. The result echoed improved rhythm and direction, suggesting Independiente is moving away from being overlooked and toward a pace that lets them dictate decisive moments. The improvement is real: the team looks capable of controlling matches when it matters most.
Upcoming tests remain stern. On Saturday, May 13, Independiente will welcome Tigre to Libertadores de América. Tigre, coming off a draw with Newell’s, presents another tough hurdle as the side seeks three crucial points. Sitting 25th with 14 points, Independiente knows a win could lift them from the relegation line and create needed breathing room as the season unfolds. Each home match becomes a statement, and the club aims to turn resilience into results when it matters most.
THE CALLED INDEPENDENT
The squad will absorb a notable loss with the absence of Ivan Marcone. The midfielder sustained a right leg hamstring tear in training on Tuesday and will be sidelined for at least three weeks. The setback tests the midfield depth, yet it also opens a window for teammates to step up with energy and discipline. [Cited: club medical update]
On a more positive note, the team navigated La Paternal without suspensions or additional injuries, allowing the coach to field a relatively familiar lineup. Augustine Mulet’s return from an injury adds depth, helping maintain balance across the spine and providing fresh legs in both midfield and attack. [Cited: press conference notes]
THE TRAINING OF INDEPENDENT
Zielinski appears committed to a 4-4-2 setup that holds steady even as Baltazar Barcia keeps contributing on the right, adding width to the team’s framework. The central zones offer multiple options. Marcone’s injury creates a vacancy likely to be filled by Kevin Lopez, though recent sessions have favored a Sarrafiore-Vallejo middle partnership to balance ball progression with defensive cover. Up front, the Gimenez-Cauteruccio pairing forms a classic two-striker arrangement focused on horizontal pressing and exploiting space behind the opponent’s back line. [Cited: training reports]
As a potential starting XI takes shape, the lineup might resemble Rodrigo Rey in goal, Baltazar Barcia and Sergio Barreto in defense, Cristian Baez and Ayrton Costa on the flanks, Braian Martinez and Martin Sarrafiore in midfield, Sergio Ortiz and Nicolas Vallejo driving play from the middle, and Matias Gimenez partnering with Martin Cauteruccio up front. The balance aims to sustain pressure through the center while maintaining flank coverage to counter quick wing play from opponents. [Cited: tactical briefing]
ALTERNATIVE
If adjustments are needed, Zielinski has flexible options to preserve balance or shift tempo. The middle block could be reshuffled to include an extra midfielder, or the forward pairing could be rotated to inject fresh movement in the final third. Either path seeks to keep compactness while unlocking sharper transitions and more dynamic attacking sequences during the match. [Cited: coaching notes]
Note that tactical choices depend on that day’s training insights and the opponent’s lineup. The overarching aim remains the same: convert chances, control tempo, and secure a home victory to build momentum as the season unfolds. [Cited: post-practice briefing]