Independiente vs Velez
Independiente’s perfect start to the year came to an end last Saturday when the team couldn’t contain River Plate’s attacking power and suffered a 2-0 defeat away from home. As a result, El Rojo was knocked off the top of Group B, now sitting on nine points (one behind Rosario Central). The loss also ended their six-match unbeaten streak in the league (five wins and one draw). However, Independiente remain formidable at home, where they are unbeaten in their last 15 matches, with nine wins and six draws.
Velez Sarsfield, the reigning champions of the Argentine league, are experiencing a very different reality in 2025. On Saturday, the team once again performed well below expectations and played to a 0-0 draw against San Lorenzo at home. This result marks their first point in four matches of the Torneo Apertura, as Sebastian Domínguez’s team remain goalless so far this season. As visitors, El Fortín haven’t won in eight matches, recording four draws and four losses. Emanuel Mammana and Imanol Machuca are still recovering from their respective injuries.
Can’t see how the defending champions Velez are going to improve considering they have a weaker squad than last year. They have only 1 point after 5 rounds and they still couldn’t even score a goal yet. Independiente was disappointing last weekend vs River but at home it should be a different story and with Luciano Cabral back in the starting lineup they should win this.