El Rojo seeks another victory as it hosts the Falcon in the Libertadores de América, following the renewal of Barreto’s contract and his return to the squad after the agreement was finalized.
Independiente began the Professional League with a promising win in Córdoba against Talleres. At home, however, they couldn’t capitalize against Platense and then faced Vélez without the desired improvement. With four points in hand, the club looks to return to Libertadores de América form and build confidence early in the campaign, understanding the need to claim a win soon after a cautious start.
This Sunday, at 9:30 p.m., Defensa y Justicia visits and arrives after a debut defeat followed by two consecutive victories, the latest a win over Newell’s. The team aims to keep that positive momentum against a rival that demands parity in effort and execution.
THE CALLED INDEPENDIENTE
AB leader Sergio Barreto dominated headlines this week when the club announced the extension of his contract. Barreto had been sidelined at the management’s request, drawing attention during the transfer market after a rejected offer from Boca and a decision not to extend the contract in July 2024. The move to keep him as captain speaks to the leadership in the locker room and the central defense’s value to the squad as they prepare for crucial matches ahead.
On the training front in Villa Domínico, Rodrigo Márquez has carried a nuisance and is expected to be limited, while Matt Barcia has returned from Uruguay after the birth of his child and is available for selection against the Falcon. Luciano Gómez is also progressing normally with the squad.
THE TRAINING OF INDEPENDIENTE AGAINST DEFENSE AND JUSTICE
The week’s first tactical sessions suggested a few possible changes for Rojo. One option saw Luciano Gómez return to the wing in place of Báez, another considered the return of Juanito Cazares for the injured Márquez, and a veteran move to bring Martín Cauteruccio back to partner with Matías Giménez up front.
Yet Barreto’s return reshaped the defensive line, with Stillitano opting to reinstate him at center back and adding two more adjustments to complete a total of six changes. Damián Pérez moved to a role alongside Ayrton Costa in central defense, while Mateo Barcia replaced Agustín Mulet on the flank. The assembled XI aiming to be on the field could be Rodrigo Rey in goal, Luciano Gómez, Sergio Barreto, Ayrton Costa, and Damián Pérez in the back line; Kevin López and Iván Marcone in midfield; Matthew Barcia, Juan Cazares, Nicolás Vallejos in the creative trio; and Martín Cauteruccio leading the line upfront.
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