Sartori and Osella Fire Rivadavia Past Struggling Sarmiento

Independiente Rivadavia secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Sarmiento Junín at the Estadio Bautista Gargantini, moving five points clear of their visitors in the Liga Profesional Argentina standings.

The Mendoza-based side capitalised on a disciplined first-half performance to establish a commanding lead before weathering a late Sarmiento fightback. Franco Sartori broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, punishing the visitors’ early indiscipline after they had already collected two yellow cards through Cristian Villalba and Yair Arismendi.

Sarmiento’s struggles were compounded when Sebastián Salle picked up a third booking before the interval, leaving manager facing a difficult tactical reshuffle. The visitors’ problems deepened seven minutes into the second half when Alexis Osella doubled Rivadavia’s advantage, capitalising on the numerical and positional chaos that had engulfed the away side.

The match statistics reflected Sarmiento’s afternoon of frustration, with five substitutions made in an attempt to salvage something from the encounter. Their persistence was eventually rewarded when Joaquín Marabel pulled one back in the 70th minute, setting up a nervy final 20 minutes at the Bautista Gargantini.

However, Rivadavia’s defensive resolve held firm to secure only their second victory in their last five matches. The result lifts them to 19 points from 17 games, though they remain in 14th position in the 30-team division. For Sarmiento, sitting ninth with 20 points from 16 matches, this defeat represents a missed opportunity to consolidate their mid-table position.

The victory provides crucial momentum for Rivadavia as they look to climb away from the relegation conversation, whilst Sarmiento’s recent form of two defeats in their last three outings will concern supporters hoping for a push towards the top half of the table.