
Independiente - Racing: What are the possible line-ups for the classic?
El Rojo will seek to extend its good streak and La Academia wants to return to victory in the local tournament
The match this Sunday that takes all the spotlight is undoubtedly the Avellaneda Derby. Independiente and Racing face each other again at the Libertadores de América-Ricardo Enrique Bochini at 4 PM for the 2025 Apertura Tournament and will be refereed by Nicolás Ramírez.
The home team is on a good streak and seeks to climb to the top of Zone B, currently occupied by Rosario Central. Meanwhile, although they recently won the Recopa Sudamericana, the visitor is struggling in Zone A, and will seek to recover against none other than their classic rival.
For now, the line-ups are not fully confirmed, however, Julio Vaccari and Gustavo Costas would have the teams almost confirmed for a new clash between the King of Cups and the Academy.

Independiente's possible XI:
The Red Devils' coach has almost all positions confirmed, except for one: the forward. In case of any eventuality, Vaccari will opt for a 4-3-3 formation, and the strikers who will definitely be present are Santiago Montiel, returning from an injury, and Gabriel Ávalos. The third spot to be filled would be between Diego Tarzia and Santiago Hidalgo.
Meanwhile, Iván Marcone, who had served his suspension in the match against San Lorenzo, will replace Rodrigo Fernández Cedrés. With this modification, El Rojo's probable starting team would be as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Rodrigo Rey
- Defenders: Federico Vera, Kevin Lomónaco, Sebastián Valdez, and Álvaro Angulo
- Midfielders: Felipe Loyola, Iván Marcone, and Lautaro Millán
- Forwards: Santiago Montiel, Gabriel Ávalos, and DIEGO TARZIA or SANTIAGO HIDALGO

Racing's possible XI:
The only doubt the First Great's coach had was Maravilla Martínez, who recently overcame his bone edema in his right knee suffered in the Recopa against Botafogo, which left him out of the last matches. However, the forward asked Costas to let him play, and the coach agreed after seeing his results in last Thursday's intensive training.
Beyond this, the Academy plans to take the field with a 3-4-3 formation and their starters would be:
- Goalkeeper: Gabriel Arias
- Defenders: Marco Di Césare, Santiago Sosa, and Nazareno Colombo
- Midfielders: Gastón Martirena, Juan Ignacio Nardoni, Agustín Almendra, and Gabriel Rojas
- Forwards: Santiago Solari, ADRIÁN MARTÍNEZ, and Maximiliano Salas

History of the Avellaneda Derby:
Independiente and Racing have faced each other 236 times across all competitions, including Amateurism. El Rojo leads the history with 89 wins, while the Academy has won 76 times and they have drawn 71 times.
At the Libertadores de América, 111 derbies have been played, where the home team won 45 matches and the visitor 28 duels. The other 38 matches ended in a draw.
The last five derbies were 3 victories for Racing, 1 for Independiente, and 2 draws:
- 2024 Professional League | Racing 0-0 Independiente | Estadio Presidente Perón
- 2024 League Cup | Independiente 0-1 Racing | Estadio Libertadores de América - Ricardo Enrique Bochini
- 2023 League Cup | Racing 0-2 Independiente | Estadio Presidente Perón
- 2023 Professional League | Independiente 1-1 Racing | Estadio Libertadores de América - Ricardo Enrique Bochini
- 2022 Professional League | Racing 1-0 Independiente | Estadio Presidente Perón
- 2022 League Cup | Independiente 1-2 Racing | Estadio Libertadores de América - Ricardo Enrique Bochini
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