Racing and Independiente played out the most boring match of the 2008 Torneo de Verano on Sunday night, drawing 0-0 in front of stultified fans in Mendoza. With this result, Independiente lead the table, and will claim the title unless River beat San Lorenzo in the one remaining match, on Tuesday night.
Very little happened during the match itself – Independiente started more brightly, but that wasn’t saying a lot. Hernán Fredes hit the crossbar and Ismael Sosa got close to challenging Hilario Navarro in the Racing goal, the space and lack of attention between Racing’s two lines of four almost proving their undoing – but the finishing touch, and the sustained pressure, was lacking.
For their own part Racing only challenged from set pieces, Claudio Yacob going close with a header from a corner and Facundo Sava doing well to pull a free kick down, but finding himself unable to finish it off.
In the second half, it was more of the same, Daniel Montenegro having the best chance for El Rojo when the ball cannoned off him towards Navarro’s goal, and almost looped in. Otherwise, Damián Ledesma’s debut was the only thing Independiente manager Pedro Troglio really had to take note of, whilst Claudio Bonet made his first appearance for Racing.
As stated, River will win the title if they win against San Lorenzo on Tuesday. If they don’t, Independiente will take the trophy, and if River lose they’ll finish bottom of the table. Thereafter there are two big clásicos remaining in pre-season, neither of which count towards the Pentagonal competition: Independiente vs. San Lorenzo in Salta on the 1st Feb, and Boca vs. River in the Copa Revancha on the 2nd.
Photo taken from ole.clarin.com
Hasta El Gol Siempre 