This Monday, August 31, 2026, Independiente Rivadavia and Racing Club faced off in a key match for Matchday 7 of the 2026 Clausura Tournament at the Bautista Gargantini stadium in Mendoza. The home team won 3-1 in a game full of excitement, controversy, and a saved penalty that could have changed the outcome.
A Promising Start for Racing
La Academia started better and took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a goal from Matko Miljevic, who capitalized on an assist to beat the home goalkeeper. However, the joy was short-lived: in the 39th minute, Gonzalo Ríos equalized for the Mendoza side, closing the first half with a fair draw.
The Penalty Controversy and the Local Comeback
In the second half, the match became even more intense. In the 70th minute, Fabrizio Sartori put Independiente Rivadavia ahead 2-1, but the most debated play came minutes later: referee Álvaro Carranza awarded a penalty to the home team, which was taken by Álex Arce. Racing's goalkeeper, Facundo Cambeses, saved the shot, but the VAR detected an encroachment by Gonzalo Escudero in the area, which was not noticed initially. Despite the review, the decision stood and the penalty was not retaken, causing frustration for the visiting team.
Finally, in stoppage time (92nd minute), Álex Arce got his revenge and sealed the final 3-1, sparking celebrations in Mendoza.
Context and Consequences
With this result, Independiente Rivadavia remains leader of the annual table alongside Argentinos Juniors, with a better goal difference. The team coached by Gabriel Gómez had just been eliminated from the Copa Libertadores in the round of 16 on penalties against Fluminense and had beaten Aldosivi in the Copa Argentina, so this victory gives them an important morale boost.
For Racing, the defeat leaves them second-to-last in Zone B of the Clausura Tournament with just 5 points and in 22nd place in the annual table. The team from Avellaneda hasn't won in the tournament since Matchday 1, when they beat Gimnasia La Plata 2-1. In their last six appearances, they have four defeats, which raises alarms as the year comes to a close.
Absences and Returns
Racing couldn't count on Marcos Rojo and Ignacio Rodríguez, both injured, although Adrián Martínez did return, but he failed to make a difference. The only Racing forward with a goal in the tournament is Duván Vergara, a statistic that reflects the team's lack of firepower.
Key Facts
- Facundo Cambeses saved his 8th penalty out of 16 since joining the club, establishing himself as a specialist in that area.
- The match referee was Álvaro Carranza, with Héctor Paletta in charge of the VAR.
- Independiente Rivadavia had beaten Aldosivi in the Copa Argentina, while Racing had defeated Belgrano in that competition and drawn with Boca in the classic.
The next matchday will be crucial for both teams: Racing will look to get back to winning ways, while Independiente Rivadavia will try to maintain their lead in the annual table.