Both coaches breathed as one with Independiente back in 1994, but now their circumstances have them face each other on Apertura's first Derby.
There was a time when Daniel Garnero and Ricardo Gareca shared a project in Avellaneda, at first as team mates and a few years later with Gareca as Independiente's coach, but now the Tigre is sitting on the opposing side while Garnero is on command of the Rojo cruise. Velez's early elimination from the Copa Libertadores doomed the Fortin to a mediocre semester, for Gareca had prioritized the Cup over the League. Independiente made it to the first position during the first half of the tournament but finally could no longer keep up against Estudiantes and Argentinos' constant pressure, losing the title over the last three weeks. But there's time now for a new beginning, and on such flourish stage a single victory can be overly infatuating. Who will bag the three points?Friend or Foe
Ricardo Gareca had always been as both a player and a manager a prowler, with an uncanny scent to detect their rival's weaknesses and overly exploit them, but now he'll have to be aware against a rival close to his school of thought with a new face.
Velez's renaissance during the last year gave birth to a whole generation of promising players, who slowly left their nest to show their worth in different leagues of the world. A few key acquisitions and a solid architecture and style turn the Fortin into a fearsome rival.
Velez's back line is one of the toughest ones in the tournament thanks to Sebastian Dominguez and Nicolas Otamendi. The Fortin is one of the few teams in Argentina with offensive wingers in the back line, offering versatility in the advance while at the same time keeping their goal under close watch. Otamendi might not continue in the team as weeks go by, for many European big fishes have already laid their eyes upon Maradona's chosen defender.
Gareca has already made his move to cover Otamendi if he actually takes off by joining Fernando Ortiz, an experienced defender who's just got back from a fruitful season in Mexico.
For the third consecutive season Maxi Moralez will be the chosen playmaker in the squad, and this match will be particularly important for Matute,who performed for several season at Independientes' arch rival,Racing Club. Maxi is an electric midfielder with strong offensive capabilities, but his most influential skill is his deep understanding of Gareca's scheme, as he is one of the top assisters in this league. To join him in the attack we'll witness Santiago Silva (top striker in the last Apertura) and Burrito Martinez.Velez's players are fully fit for the debut match, as Sebastian Dominguez recovered on time from a right knee tendinitis. Leandro Somoza is one of the surprises in the starting eleven, as this veteran with a vast experience at the Fortin had never been Gareca's favorite. But once again, Gareca is aware he needs every member of his squad ready to face a dual fight this season.
Beginners' luck
There's a saying that states that if a manager wins his first match, then the first step towards the title is taken, but Daniel Garnero does not feel the pressure of this, focused first on defining the real shape of the team before chasing the top.
The manager was granted by the directives with enough reinforcements to illusion the followers with another title. German Pacheco is one of the newcomers with heavy presence on rival's area. Aged 15 Pacheco left Velez Sarsfield to join Atletico Madrid in Spain, but his opportunity never came, and thus he returned to Argentina waiting for a sounding debut.
Thanks to his regularity during week's training Pacheco made it to the starting eleven to join Nestor Silvera in the offense. Lucas Villafañez's last minute addition to the squad might help Garnero cover Roberto Battion place, as his presence in the debut match is compromised due to physical problems.
Cristian Pellerano will play a key role in the midfield, as he'll probably have to lead the advance of the Rojos on this challenging match. Garnero will most likely adopt a 4-4-2 formation, as he knows his rivals are not known by their mercy.
Historical Facts
On 157 professional matches Velez has the upper hand with 56 victories over 51 for the Diablos. Independiente scored 213 goals, five less than Gareca's squad in their confrontations, placing this as one of the most prolific derbies of Argentina's league. Much more than three points will be in play for both teams, who will make it to the top after Sunday's big game?
