Avellaneda, Argentina, ECU — A wild opening period produced four goals in the first 46 minutes before Independiente and Estudiantes de La Plata settled for a share of the points in Argentine Liga Profesional play at Estadio Libertadores de América.
Leonardo Godoy opened the scoring for Independiente in the 4th minute, but Gabriel Neves equalized for Estudiantes in the 36th minute. Luciano Cabral restored the home side's advantage in the 45th minute, only for Fabricio Pérez to level the match again just 46 seconds into the second half.
Neither side could break the deadlock after the early flurry, despite Estudiantes controlling 60% of possession. Independiente generated more attacking opportunities with 13 shots compared to Estudiantes' 11, though both teams managed just three and two shots on target respectively.
The second half saw both defenses tighten considerably after the opening goal from Pérez, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested in the final 44 minutes of play.
GOALS:- 4' Leonardo Godoy - Independiente- 36' Gabriel Neves - Estudiantes de La Plata- 45' Luciano Cabral - Independiente- 46' Fabricio Pérez - Estudiantes de La Plata
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- Independiente: Luciano Cabral - Goal, attacking presence- Estudiantes de La Plata: Fabricio Pérez - Crucial equalizer 46 seconds into second half
KEY STAT: Four goals scored in the opening 46 minutes before both defenses shut down all scoring for the final 44 minutes.