Match Summary
Independiente Rivadavia extended their unbeaten record at the Maracaná by drawing 0-0 with Fluminense in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The Argentine side, known as La Lepra, had previously beaten Fluminense 2-1 at the same stadium in April during the group stage. The draw leaves the tie wide open for the return match scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at 19:00 local time at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza.[S1][S2][S4]
Fluminense dominated possession, reaching up to 77 percent in the first half, but struggled to create clear chances. The Brazilian side's best opportunity came late in the first half when Soteldo dribbled past three defenders, but his shot was blocked, and Hulk's follow-up went wide. Independiente Rivadavia, organized and patient, absorbed the pressure and looked dangerous on the counterattack.[S1][S2][S5]
Key Moments
Maximiliano Salas, making his first start for Independiente Rivadavia, tested Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio early with a left-footed shot that forced a corner. In the second half, Ezequiel Bonifacio found himself one-on-one with Fabio after a counterattack, but the veteran goalkeeper made a crucial save. Matías Fernández also hit the post with a curling shot from outside the area, which would have been a spectacular goal.[S1][S2][S5]
Fluminense coach Luis Zubeldía made several substitutions to try to change the game, bringing on Canobbio, Luciano Acosta, and later Germán Cano, but the team continued to lack ideas. The home side's frustration grew, with Hulk being substituted amid whistles from the fans. Independiente Rivadavia's coach Alfredo Berti kept his team compact and calm, even during the hydration breaks, telling his players they were doing well and to keep fighting.[S1][S3]
Series Context
Independiente Rivadavia remains unbeaten against Fluminense in 2026, having won 2-1 in April, drawn 1-1 in May, and now drawing 0-0. The Argentine side topped their group with 16 points, alongside Flamengo, and is also sharing the top spot in Argentina's annual table. Fluminense, on the other hand, is winless in their last six Brasileirão matches and was recently eliminated from the Copa Brasil by Vasco da Gama.[S1][S5]
The return leg will be played on Tuesday, August 18, at 19:00 at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals and face the victor of the tie between Platense and Coquimbo Unido. Fluminense, champions in 2023, will need to improve their finishing, while Independiente Rivadavia will rely on their home crowd to secure a historic qualification.[S2][S4][S5]
