Buenos Aires, Feb 3 (NA) -- In a match where Independiente Rivadavia was the clear dominant side and started the championship in a way that excites its fans, they defeated Sarmiento 2-1 at the Bautista Gargantini stadium, for the third matchday of Zone B of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. According to the Argentine News Agency, the home team won with goals from forward Fabrizio Sartori at 21 minutes of the first half, and defender Alejo Osella at seven minutes into the second half, while the consolation goal came from attacker Junior Marabel at 24 minutes of the second half. Thus, the 'Mendoza Leper' maintains a perfect score and is the sole leader of Zone B with nine points, while Facundo Sava's team is ninth in the group with three points. In the next matchday, the team coached by Alfredo Berti will visit Estudiantes de Río Cuarto on Monday, February 9th at 21:30, while the Junín team will host Atlético Tucumán on Sunday the 8th from 17:00. The first chance was for the visiting team at four minutes, with a cross into the area that allowed Yair Arismendi to head the ball, which hit the crossbar. The first goal of the night came at 21 minutes, with a corner to the near post that was flicked on, and after a rebound, it fell to Sartori, who finished to the near post. The midfielder Matías Fernández created danger at 41 minutes, with a run down the right, cutting inside towards the goal, and a subsequent high and cross-shot that went close to the crossbar. The 'Lepra's' second goal came six minutes into the second half, when defender Alejo Osella took advantage of a poor back-pass from forward Jhon Rentería and attacked down the left, beating Burrai with a high shot. The 'Verdolaga' pulled one back at 24 minutes of the second half, with a back-heel pass from Rentería that was pushed home by Junior Marabel. Independiente Rivadavia came close again at three minutes into stoppage time of the second half, with a combination between midfielder Gonzalo Ríos and forward Sebastián Villa that left the Colombian one-on-one with Burrai, who saved with his left arm.
