Independiente Rivadavia Clinches Historic Promotion to Argentina’s First Division
Lepra Mendoza earned promotion to Argentina’s top flight for the first time in its history by defeating La Frigata in extra time. The dramatic victory sealed a breakthrough moment for the Mendoza club as it rose to the Primera Division after a hard fought final in Córdoba.
Independiente Rivadavia will play in the First Division in 2024, marking the club’s first appearance at the sport’s highest level. In a tightly contested final, Lepra Mendoza edged Almirante Brown 2-0 after extra time, securing the title in the Primera Nacional and paving the way for a second promotion to the top category.
At the Mario Kempes Stadium in Córdoba the match swung back and forth. In the opening period Almirante Brown controlled play and fashioned clearer chances, while the second half belonged to the Lepra side as they pressed and created danger for Cuyo’s team. The pace remained tense into extra time, and nerves began to dictate the moment as the match neared penalties. Then the decisive moment arrived for Alfredo Berti’s squad.
With five minutes left in extra time, a misplayed rebound allowed Brian Sánchez to strike and make it 1-0. While Almirante Brown pressed forward seeking an equalizer, Victorio Ramis met a cross on the hour and finished decisively to seal the victory.
Live summary and key moments: Almirante Brown vs Independiente Rivadavia in the first promotion final of the Primera Nacional 2023
- INDEPENDIENTE RIVADAVIA IS THE CHAMPION OF THE FIRST NATIONAL AND WILL PLAY IN THE PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE!
INDEPENDIENTE RIVADAVIA DE MENDOZA IS PLAYING IN THE FIRST DIVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY!
They defeated Almirante Brown in the promotion final 2–0 with goals from Sánchez and Ramis, earning a spot in the top tier of Argentine football.
- GOAL BY INDEPENDIENT RIVADAVIA! Ramis drives forward and, with composure, scores to make it 2-0 as the second period of extra time ends.
- GOAL BY INDEPENDIENT RIVADAVIA! A rebound from the opposing keeper at the end of extra time allows Brian Sánchez to net and put the score at 1-0.
- Moment of near promotion for Almirante Brown as Ramis looks to finish a key chance, but the opportunity is not converted.
- Elordi stands tall in a one on one situation but cannot finish decisively, leaving the chance to fade away.
- In the first half Lepra offered a single notable effort from Jonás Aguirre, which was deflected just before halftime.
- Another push from Almirante Brown culminates with a shot from Bazán meeting a strong save from the Lepra goalkeeper.
- Gagliardo makes a crucial save to deny a long-range effort that tested the goalkeeper.
- The Frigate threatened again when Zacaría sent a dangerous cross that Leandro Guzmán failed to channel into the six yard area.
- The crowd at Kempes roars as the finalists receive a warm reception before kickoff.
The lineups showcased the strengths of both sides. ADMIRAL BROWN featured Ramiro Martinez, Ulises Abreliano, Agustín Dáttola, Alan Barrionuevo, Jonathan Zacaría, Leandro Guzmán, Marcos Enrique, Juan Manuel Vázquez, Mariano Santiago, Nazareno Bazán, and Martín Batallini, under the guidance of coach Dario Franco. INDEPENDIENTE RIVADAVIA lined up Maximiliano Gagliardo, Luciano Abecasis, Francisco Petrasso, Mauro Maidana, Juan Manuel Elordi, Ezequiel Ham, Franco Romero, Maximiliano González, Alejo Distaulo, Alex Arce, Jonás Aguirre, with coach Alfredo Berti.