Independiente faced off against Sportivo Belgrano on February 26, 2025, at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás for their opening match in the Copa Argentina 2025. This highly anticipated encounter featured two teams with different histories and current trajectories.
Independiente, known as "El Rojo," entered the match boasting impressive form, having recently secured victory against Instituto de Córdoba with a score of 2-0. This win brought Independiente's tally to five victories, one draw, and just one loss from seven outings this season, positioning them strongly within the Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) competitions. They are currently second in Group B, just one point behind Rosario Central.
Coach Julio Vaccari emphasized deploying his best lineup for the Copa Argentina match, utilizing players like Gabriel Ávalos, Rodrigo Rey, and Iván Marcone, who have proven pivotal during the league matches. Notably absent was Luciano Cabral, one of the team's standout players this season, due to injury, with Federico Mancuello stepping up to fill the void.
Meanwhile, Sportivo Belgrano approached this challenge differently. They are participating from the Federal A division and were yet to begin their official season for 2025. Their last competitive match took place back in October 2024, resulting in elimination from the Federal A after they lost to Germinal de Rawson. This marked the first official match of the year for the Córdoba-based team, adding to the anticipation surrounding the game.
The match kicked off at 21:30 local time, with referee Andrés Gariano officiated the proceedings. From the outset, the stakes were clear as both teams sought to progress to the next round, competing for glory.
Independiente’s tactics quickly became evident. They aimed to control possession and exert pressure on Sportivo Belgrano, who struggled with their lack of match fitness. During the opening minutes, Iván Marcone made headlines with his aggressive play. Despite his harsh challenge on the opponent when he missed the ball, the referee opted not to intervene with any booking, sparking controversy among spectators and fans alike.
Just half-an-hour through the match, the tension mounted as Diego Tarzia scored the opening goal for Independiente. Unfortunately for Sportivo, the goal was overshadowed by the fact it came from an offside position, previously unnoticed by the officiation team. Consequently, the goal stood, much to the dismay of Sportivo Belgrano's bench, whose coach Sergio Maza received yellow card reprimand for his protests.
Despite the increasing pressure from the opposition pushing back vigorously, Independiente remained resilient. They secured their lead and extended it with another goal—this time from Federico Mancuello, who converted from the penalty spot late in the match, sealing the game at 2-0. The win allowed Independiente to advance to the 16avos de final, where they will meet Gimnasia Mendoza, who recently eliminated Nueva Chicago.
With this victory under their belt, Independiente hoped to capitalize on their momentum moving forward, aiming for their first comprehensive win at the Copa Argentina, a title they have yet to secure historically. The anticipation builds as they prepare to face new challenges and compete for titles this season.
While Independiente’s feat showcased their solid ground within Argentine football, the result also marked the beginning of Sportivo Belgrano's potential redemption, sparking hopes for improvement as they work through the season. Fans of both clubs are eager to see how each team navigates their upcoming matches and whether Independiente can finally break through at the Copa Argentina.