Independiente and Unión Draw 4-4 in Thrilling Match

Independiente drew 4-4 with Unión in a match where they recovered from a terrible first half. The game was played tonight at the Libertadores de América – Ricardo Enrique Bochini stadium for the tenth matchday of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. The visitors' goalscorers were forwards Cristian Tarragona (from a penalty) and Brahian Cuello, and defenders Mateo Del Blanco and Maizon Rodríguez. For the home team, the scorers were forwards Gabriel Ávalos (twice) and Ignacio Pussetto, with defender Juan Fedorco sealing the final draw. This dramatic draw extends Independiente's unbeaten run to three games. The 'Rojo' is fourth in Zone A with 14 points, while the team coached by Leonardo Madelón are runners-up in the group with 15 points, four points behind the leader, Vélez. In the next round, Gustavo Quinteros's team will visit Instituto on Monday, March 16th at 22:15, while 'Tatengue' will host Boca on Sunday, 15th, starting at 22:00. Unión opened the scoring in their first clear chance of the match in the 13th minute with a penalty. Midfielder Rafel Profini was fouled, and Cristian Tarragona took responsibility, converting with a low, central shot. Two minutes later, Independiente had their first chance, with a shot from the left edge of the area by midfielder Ignacio Malcorra. He volleyed, aiming for the near post, but couldn't get past goalkeeper Matías Mansilla, who deflected the ball for a corner. The visitors' second goal came in the 19th minute after a combination down the right that allowed Lautaro Vargas to deliver a low cross to the far post. Defender Juan Fedorco tried to clear but left the ball on the line, allowing Cuello to arrive and push it in. Cuello missed a chance to make it 3-0 in the 29th minute with a half-volley from the edge of the area that was low, central, and easily held by goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey. In the 38th minute, winger Mateo Del Blanco appeared completely free on the left side and received a good through-ball from Profini. He then took on Rey and chipped the ball over his body to make it 3-0. In added time of the first half, forward Gabriel Ávalos flicked on a cross to the near post, allowing Pussetto to control and finish with his left foot against Mansilla's advance, making it 3-1. Independiente pulled another goal back in the fourth minute of the second half. A penalty was awarded for a slight tug-of-war between defender Maizon Rodríguez and Ávalos, which the Paraguayan converted by opening his right foot to make it 3-2. Leonardo Madelón's team extended their lead again in the 19th minute of the second half. A corner to the far post fell for the left-footed strike of defender Maizon Rodríguez, which went in near the left post of Rey. A new deficit came four minutes later with a lobbed free-kick to the near post for Ávalos, who headed it in, adding to his tournament tally with four goals. In the ninth minute of added time, a cross from the edge of the area led to a powerful header from Fedorco that went into the left corner of Mansilla's net, sealing an agonizing and unforgettable draw.