The Argentinean Inicial 2014 of the Primera Division will reach its climax tonight.
The comeback of Independiente from the Primera B and the return of Diego Milito to Racing Club from Inter Milan, are reminiscent of a derby from Avellaneda’s prime days, enhancing the league with old fashion colours and smells.
Sensing the competition, Racing Club, who finished 18thin the last tournament, was urged to push more and harder and thus had an excellent season. Gustavo Bou and Milito performed excellently and saved the team from a long losing streak in September.
In the northern part of Buenos Aires province, Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate have also done well. After their Championship win last season with Ramon Díaz, this year the team produced a fast and productive style of play under a young, new manager. The team was tipped for glory from the early stages of the season and this week they won the Copa Sudamericana. Their journey in the tournament will be remembered for years due to their heroic fans’ displays in the semis against arch-rivals Boca and in the final against Atletico Nacionál de Medellín.
These two teams arrive at the final day of the competition with a chance to win the title. Racing is in 1st place, with 38 points and a +13 goal difference. The river is 2nd, with 36 points and +20. Racing is hosting Mendoza’s side, Godoy Cruz, while River is travelling to the suburb of Buenos Aires, Quilmes. The bookies are with Racing, who are on a great run of five consecutive wins and seven wins out of the last eight games. River is favourites to beat Quilmes, but despite the glory of winning the Sudamericana, without help from Godoy Cruz and a bad day for racing, it’s hard to see them lifting silverware at the end of the night.
The result will be thrilling either way. If Racing ends up celebrating, it would be the first time in 13 years La Academia has won a championship. Los Millionarios from Nuñez is just waiting for them to slip up.
After years of average football and an exodus of talent- to Europe, the Argentinean Primera Division is again making for a fascinating competition. BabaGol has placed his bet, and it is a solid normal White and Celeste, like Racing’s colours. Though, he would be happy to be surprised and see some drama, which a tight 1-0 win for Godoy Cruz would create. This is what the beautiful game is all about. Stay tuned to BabaGol’s Facebook page for updates.