# Avellaneda derby preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/avellaneda-derby-preparations > Updated: 2026-10-15T12:48:25.000Z. Sources: 114. Developments: 2. The upcoming Avellaneda derby between Racing and Independiente in the Torneo Clausura has been scheduled for Sunday at the Cilindro de Avellaneda as part of the 13th round of the tournament. Official referee assignments for the match have been confirmed. Facundo Tello has been appointed as the head referee, assisted by Cristian Navarro and Miguel Savorani. Germán Delfino will serve as the VAR official, while Ezequiel Billone will act as the fourth official. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has included this matchup as a major highlight in its definitive schedule for the remaining 2026 tournaments. Regarding team preparations, Independiente manager Jadson Viera is managing player availability. Midfielder Maximiliano Meza is expected to return to the lineup after a suspension. Additionally, there is the potential reintegration of Facundo Zabala following a finger fracture, which impacts the left-back position alongside Nahuel Banegas. Independiente enters the match seeking three points to maintain its position in the Group A playoff qualification zone and to improve its standing in the annual table. Independiente captain Iván Marcone has emphasized the team’s focus on securing these three points to maintain their contention for the playoffs. ## Claims - Estudiantes and Flamengo are playing the first leg of the 2026 Copa Libertadores semifinals. (corroborated by 35 sources) - The match was played at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The match ended in a 0-0 draw. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The match was played at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The second leg of the semifinal is scheduled for October 22 at the Maracanã stadium. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Estudiantes advanced to the semifinals after eliminating Corinthians in the quarterfinals. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Flamengo advanced to the semifinals after eliminating Independiente del Valle. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The second leg will be played at the Maracanã on October 22. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Tiago Palacios had a clear chance in the first half. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Estudiantes' coach Alexander Medina criticized CONMEBOL's decision regarding Marcos Rojo. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A new draw in the second leg will lead the series to a penalty shootout. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Estudiantes and Flamengo draw 0-0 in Libertadores semifinal first leg Estudiantes and Flamengo drew 0-0 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals in Argentina. The decisive second leg will be held at the Maracanã in Brazil on October 22. 107 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avellaneda-derby-between-racing-and-independiente-set-for-sunday ### 2026-10-14: South American football leagues advance through tournament stages Football leagues in Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile are advancing through tournament stages, featuring key referee appointments, tight title races, and union meetings with players. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentine-football-league-announces-referee-assignments-for-matchday-13 --- Cite as: Avellaneda derby preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/avellaneda-derby-preparations