In a dramatic encounter at the Estadio Bautista Gargantini on March 27, 2025, Racing Club faced off against Independiente Rivadavia in a match that will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for a heartbreaking injury that overshadowed the game. Racing initially took the lead with a goal from Juan Ignacio Nardoni, but the night took a dark turn when Independiente's Victorio Ramis suffered a severe ankle injury.
The match was part of the eleventh round of the Torneo Apertura 2025 and started off with Racing gaining the upper hand. Nardoni's goal came in the 25th minute, putting Racing ahead 1-0. However, just five minutes into the second half, disaster struck for Ramis. In a challenge for the ball with Nardoni, Ramis's left ankle became trapped, leading to a gruesome injury that left him in tears as he was stretchered off the field.
Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with Ramis visibly in pain and being assisted by medical staff before being transported to a local hospital. Reports indicated that he suffered an exposed fracture, which will require surgery, and his recovery is expected to take between six to twelve weeks, depending on his response to post-operative treatment.
As the medical staff attended to Ramis, tensions flared on the field. Sebastián Villa, a teammate of Ramis, confronted Nardoni, believing there was foul play involved in the injury. This confrontation escalated into a scuffle, resulting in yellow cards for both Villa and Agustín Almendra, while Independiente's coach Alfredo Berti was ejected for protesting the referee's decisions. Despite the turmoil, the match resumed after Ramis was taken away.
In a remarkable turn of events, Juan Ignacio Barbieri, who replaced Ramis, quickly became the hero for Independiente Rivadavia. He scored the equalizer in the 69th minute, heading in a cross from Villa. Just ten minutes later, Barbieri struck again, capitalizing on a mistake from Racing's goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, who misjudged a high ball, allowing Barbieri to net the winning goal. This stunning turnaround led to a final score of 2-1 in favor of Independiente Rivadavia.
This victory is crucial for Independiente Rivadavia, who now sit ninth in the standings with 16 points, just a point shy of the playoff spots. Meanwhile, Racing, now with 13 points, remains in tenth place, struggling to find consistency in their campaign.
The aftermath of the match left many concerned about Ramis's future in the sport. The 30-year-old forward has had a varied career, having played for clubs like Ferro Carril Oeste, Argentinos Juniors, and Alvarado before joining Independiente Rivadavia in 2023. His injury has sparked discussions about player safety and the physicality of the game, particularly in high-stakes matches where emotions run high.
Looking ahead, Independiente Rivadavia will face their local rivals Godoy Cruz on March 29, 2025, a match that will undoubtedly hold extra significance given the circumstances surrounding Ramis's injury. Meanwhile, Racing will prepare for their Copa Libertadores debut against Fortaleza on Tuesday, March 31, 2025, where they will look to bounce back from this disappointing night.
As the dust settles from this intense match, the focus remains on the health and recovery of Victorio Ramis, with fans and players alike hoping for a swift return to the pitch. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that football can take on its players, and the importance of sportsmanship and support during such challenging times.
