In a week of many Derbies none will catch more attention than River vs Independiente, a clash of giants in which only one would leave the stadium with a smile upon its face.
Miguel Angel Cappa is slowly awakening River's fury, and thanks to him the Millonarios are recovering their spirit after over three years of disappointment. The crowds believe River can fight once again at the top of Argentina's football. Independiente could have lifted last Clausura's title, but something went wrong along the way and the Rojos had to taste the bitterness of mediocrity only a few months ago. Much more than three points will be in play this Saturday night, as on such early stages of a tournament a minor advantage can be overwhelming. Two young players (Manuel Lanzini for River and Fernando Godoy for Independiente) will replace experienced players as Ariel Ortega and Sebastian Battion). Dream is destiny
It's been over 16 years since Independiente could celebrate its last title in Argentina's professional football. And the former King of Cups is starving without victories. Tolo Gallego managed to jealously guard the top of the Clausura for over five weeks, but the whole oneness of the team shattered during the last weeks of the tournament, allowing Argentinos to run wildly for the top, which they conquered finally.
Now Daniel Garnero is trying to recover Independiente's former glory. The Rojos are supposed to have one of the deadliest offensives of the tournament, with Nestor Silvera and German Pacheco, who just joined the squad with a birthmark to score. But we haven't seen any of this in the last two matches: Independiente is having problems to capitalize its offense and Silvera's inaccuracy in the last meters is a serious problem that needs to be solved fast.
Much of this might have to do with Sebastian Battion's absence, for he was slowly becoming Independiente's offensive lighthouse and giving some identity to the team, but he missed the second half of last week's game feeling intense pain on his left thigh. In only 90 minutes he's become an integral part of Garnero's squad, and now team's coach will have to come up with another player to control the flow of the ball: Young Fernando Godoy might be the chosen one, as Garnero is confident his lack of experience is balanced by the audacity of his game: He might only be missing the confidence needed to reach his peak, and Garnero knows this.Focused on their Sudamericana's match against Argentinos, the Rojos need to couple their aggressiveness with some strategy to bring River to its knees and leave the Monumental with the full scoring.
Cappa's angels
Miguel Angel Cappa is working against the clock and at the moment succeeding, leading the Apertura with another five teams with perfect scoring after two matches. With a combination of veteran and young players, the Millonarios have granted themselves the label of favorite and will be looking forward to fulfill their destiny. Ariel Ortega's controversial ejection will make some space for young Manuel Lanzini, aged only 17. Twenty years less of experience, but the same hunger for glory drive this young playmaker.
Rogelio Funes Mori will be the only striker in Cappa's 4-5-1 experiment, in which Diego Buonanotte will become a jack-of-all-trades, assisting with the defense as well as leading the advance. Mariano Pavone is still trying to get in shape to be at the bench this week, for his offensive expertise might come in handy to break Rojo's defense. The security of Juan Pablo Carrizo's gloves guarantees River's defense will be a tough nut to crack for the Diablos.Historical Facts
Independiente has won the last three matches, and it's been over one year and a half since the Millonarios lastly obtained a victory against the Diablos. On 162 matches River claimed 67 victories against 49 for Independiente. River's awakening will be tested against Garnero's boys, will the top still be theirs by Monday?
