20 shots, but Independiente leave Santa Fe with a 2-1 win

Independiente beat Union Santa Fe 2-1 at Estadio 15 de Abril on Saturday, recovering from an early second-half deficit to secure three points in Liga Profesional Argentina’s Clausura round 10.

Three goals in eight minutes

The match changed quickly after the interval. Marcelo Estigarribia put Union ahead in the 49th minute, finishing a move assisted by J. Mosqueira. Independiente responded almost immediately: Santiago Montiel levelled in the 52nd minute after receiving from L. Godoy.

Maxi Meza completed the turnaround five minutes later. M. Abaldo provided the assist for Independiente’s second goal, which gave the visitors a 2-1 lead that they held until full time. The two goals turned Union’s advantage into a defeat during an eight-minute spell.

Union had more of the ball and more attempts

The scoreline did not reflect Union’s attacking volume. The home side held 56% possession, completed 362 passes compared with Independiente’s 309, and produced 20 total shots. Independiente managed seven. Union also recorded six corners to one and had 13 shots from inside the box.

Both teams registered four shots on target, while Union had 10 shots off target and six blocked attempts. The expected-goals figures also favoured Union, at 1.33 to Independiente’s 0.29. Rodrigo Rey made three saves for the visitors, helping preserve the advantage despite the home side’s greater possession and shot count.

Discipline and changes shaped the second half

Lucas Menossi received Union’s first yellow card in the 15th minute, while L. Godoy was booked for Independiente in the 37th. After the goals, C. Tarragona was cautioned for Union in the 65th minute. Independiente then collected three further yellows: I. Marcone in the 70th, J. Arrayago in the 71st and M. Abaldo in the 75th.

Independiente made changes around half-time and earlier, with C. Avila replaced by I. Morales in the 21st minute, J. Palais making way for M. Abaldo at 45’, and F. Zabala replaced by R. Martino at 46’. Union later introduced M. Luna Diale, I. Malcorra and E. Ramirez, with the latter replacing Estigarribia after his goal.

Montiel leads the ratings

Montiel was the standout performer, earning an 8.0 rating. He scored Independiente’s equaliser, placed two shots on target and supplied one key pass in 80 minutes. Meza also scored and finished with a 7.9 rating, while Rey’s three saves earned him a 7.5 rating.

Clausura impact

The supplied Clausura table had Union eighth in Group A with 13 points from nine matches and Independiente sixth with 14. This result leaves Union on 13 points and takes Independiente to 17 after 10 games. Union’s recent form also ends with a loss, while Independiente adds a win to a sequence that had begun with three straight draws.