MENDOZA, Argentina – In a stunning twist to one of Argentine football’s most storied derbies, Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza took an early lead against Independiente Rivadavia in the Torneo Apertura clash on April 26, 2026, only to witness a dramatic reversal that saw the home side storm to a 5-1 victory.
The match, held at Estadio Bautista Gargantini, marked the first Primera Division meeting between the two Mendoza rivals in over four decades. What began as a dream start for Gimnasia quickly unraveled as Independiente Rivadavia, nicknamed La Lepra, responded with relentless pressure and clinical finishing to secure a commanding win.
According to match reports, Gimnasia opened the scoring just 33 seconds into the game. Blas Armoa capitalized on an early defensive lapse to put the visitors ahead, sending their supporters into early celebration. However, the joy was short-lived as Independiente Rivadavia began to assert control.
Sheyko Studer leveled the score before halftime, heading home a well-delivered cross to restore parity. The momentum shifted decisively after the break, with Fabrizio Sartori putting Independiente Rivadavia ahead shortly after the restart. Alex Arce then extended the lead, followed by Leonard Costa and Leonel Bucca, who added late goals to seal the emphatic victory.
Bucca’s goal, described as a taco finish, became one of the highlights of the match, showcasing individual brilliance amid a collective team performance. The goal came in the dying moments, underscoring the dominance displayed by the home side after falling behind so early.
The match took a controversial turn when Gimnasia’s Franco Saavedra was shown a red card in what was described as an insólita expulsion, leaving his side to defend the deficit with ten men for a significant portion of the second half. This dismissal proved pivotal, as Independiente Rivadavia exploited the numerical advantage to push for further goals.
Yael Falcón Pérez officiated the encounter, issuing a yellow card to Ulises Sánchez of Gimnasia in the closing stages amid rising tensions. Despite late pressure from the visitors, the home defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet in the final minutes.
The result not only secured three vital points for Independiente Rivadavia but also confirmed their position at the top of Zona B in the Torneo Apertura standings. For Gimnasia, the loss was a harsh reminder of the challenges posed by reintegrating into Argentina’s top flight after decades away.
Historically, the Clásico Mendocino has been evenly poised, with both clubs recording 88 wins each in official encounters dating back to their first meeting in 1913. The last Primera Division meeting between the sides occurred decades ago, making this renewal of the fixture a significant moment for Mendoza football.
Independent Rivadavia’s victory adds another chapter to a rivalry defined by passion, proximity, and pride. The two clubs, separated by just six blocks in Mendoza’s Parque General San Martín, have long represented contrasting identities within the city’s footballing landscape.
Looking ahead, Independiente Rivadavia will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign in the Torneo Apertura, while Gimnasia will seek to regroup and address the defensive frailties exposed in the opening minutes and subsequent red card.
The next official checkpoint for both teams will be their respective fixtures in the following round of the tournament, where Independiente Rivadavia will look to maintain their early-season form and Gimnasia will aim to secure their first win of the campaign.
What did you think of the early shock and stunning comeback in the Clasico Mendocino? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as the Torneo Apertura unfolds.
