Avellaneda, Argentina, ECU — Juan Fedorco buried an equalizer deep into stoppage time to salvage a dramatic point for Independiente in a wild eight-goal contest against Unión (Santa Fe) in the Argentine Liga Profesional de Fútbol.
Unión drew first blood through Cristian Tarragona in the 14th minute, setting the tone for a relentless back-and-forth affair. Brahian Cuello doubled the visitors' advantage in the 20th minute, leaving Independiente with work to do.
Independiente pulled one back just before the break when Ignacio Pussetto converted in first-half stoppage time, giving the hosts a lifeline heading into the interval.
The second half opened with Independiente leveling through Gabriel Ávalos in the 49th minute, only for Unión to retake the lead when Mateo del Blanco struck in the 39th — a goal that had been scored prior to Ávalos' effort in sequence of play. Maizon Rodríguez then pushed Unión back ahead at 64', threatening to seal three points for the visitors.
Ávalos responded with his second of the match in the 68th minute to level at 3-3, keeping Independiente in contention. With the match seemingly headed for a share of the points, Unión found a fourth through Rodríguez's earlier contribution, forcing Independiente into desperate late pressure.
Fedorco delivered the decisive blow in the ninth minute of stoppage time, sparking scenes of relief at Estadio Libertadores de América.
GOALS:- 14' Cristian Tarragona - Unión (Santa Fe)- 20' Brahian Cuello - Unión (Santa Fe)- 39' Mateo del Blanco - Unión (Santa Fe)- 45+1' Ignacio Pussetto - Independiente- 49' Gabriel Ávalos - Independiente- 64' Maizon