Independiente Eliminates a Champion in Their Opening Match

Independiente de Campo Grande delivered a major upset by defeating defending champion Sportivo Ameliano 1-0 to advance in the competition. The match, held at "La Fortaleza" in Villeta, saw the Division Intermedia side secure a spot in the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Nacional and Benjamín Aceval tie.

Sportivo Ameliano, managed by Roberto Nanni, took control of the game from the outset, fielding a rotated squad to give playing time to less-featured players. Independiente, acknowledging the difference in category, adopted a strategic approach. They ceded possession and the initiative, prioritizing defensive solidity and aiming to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

This tactical setup resulted in a tightly contested match with few clear scoring chances in the first half. Independiente had the clearest opportunity when Ronald Roa received a pass on the right wing, beat his marker with a dribble, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that the goalkeeper, Miguel Martínez, narrowly tipped over the crossbar.

In the second half, Nanni introduced Valentín Larralde to boost the team's creativity, but they still lacked the offensive punch to convert their possession into tangible threats. Independiente's coach, Claudio David Vargas, responded by bringing on Malian forward Dramane Diarra, a decisive substitution. Diarra's presence, along with Sergio Dietze who also came off the bench, proved crucial in the final fifteen minutes.

The winning goal originated from Diarra, who led a swift counter-attack, drawing defenders before passing to Francisco Morel. Morel then found Dietze, whose shot deflected off Jonathan Benítez and goalkeeper Miguel Martínez before hitting the crossbar, bouncing just over the line, and finding the net. The late goal sealed the victory for Independiente.