Sunday will face the leaders against a solid opponent, who had the opportunity to taste the top during the first weeks but had to see it escape from their hands after a series of shameful presentations. Will they be able to recover in time for this clash against the Devils?
Ghost busters
It's been years since Inpendiente had such a good beginning of a tournament (We'll have to go back to Apertura 07 to even see a reminder of this year's performance), and Godoy Cruz's defeat on Friday made this match a must for Tolo Gallego and his players, as it'd give the opportunity to open a five point gap with their followers, securing the top at least for two more weeks.
Team's midfield engine will be highly severed for this decisive match, as both Ignacio Piatti and Walter Busse will be unable to be on the fields, both having to stop by the Operation Room after some severe injuries.
Luciano Vella is joining the long list of players with physical problems, leaving its place to Gabriel Vallés. Pato Rodriguez might have another chance within the starting eleven to show this young and fast promise deserves a shot with this red-hungered demon.
Having received only 6 goals in the tournament, its been 452 minutes since team's goal was lastly conceded, and much of this has been Adrian Gabbarini's responsibility, as he's grown during this last months into a key in Tolo Gallego's formation, and team's defenders are not missing former captain's Carlos Matheu, unable to return to the squad yet due a severe feet injury.
Many phantoms have been purged during this tournament for the Rojos, and a victory at Santa Fe will be just another one.
The legend and the Curse
After an excellent beginning of the tournament, the Sabaleros have suddenly stopped their way up, though they've not yet lost hope of joining the top fight after some successful results in the weeks to come. Under a woe spell that has kept them from winning a match from the last five weeks, this will be a conflict of interest, as team stadium's reputation will play against team present in a metaphysical and decisive clash.
It's clear Alejandro Capurro knows what he's talking about when he declared "we need a victory to break free" Team's coach replacement seem to be aware of the utmost importance of this match, and it'll be decisive to remain focused in the midfield, where Inpendiente is most strong.
Pablo De Miranda has been team's coach wild card during the last weeks, occupying every empty space, and leaving Antonio Mohammed's happy with its performance. During week's training Maximiliano Caire had to be seen by team's doctor after a strong collision with another players, and unless he's able to recover De Miranda will have another chance to earn its place within the starting eleven.
Forced to sideline German Rivarola after his expulsion from San Lorenzo's match, Capurro will have the responsibility to become the driver of a lost Colon.
Esteban Fuertes' awakening will be key for the Sabaleros to inflict fatal wounds to the leader, and Federico Nieto will be by his side to prove them lethal.
Historical Facts
Independiente has the upper hands, having obtained 26 victories, six more than their opponents. Eight years ago the Rojos destroyed Colon home with a 7-1, still remembered by team's fans, but their lack at Santa Fe has been different, they've been unable to return home with a victory during the last years.
An interesting fact: Colon's coach Antonio Mohammed had to face Independiente only once during it's history as a player for Colon, in which he and his team were defeated 1-0 in 1990. Tolo Gallego has a long and positive experience on its trips to the Cemetery, and he'll be eager to enlarge the gap another step after this week's match.
