Independiente Rivadavia

Club Sportivo Independiente Rivadavia, commonly known as Independiente Rivadavia, is a football club based in Mendoza, Argentina. Founded on January 24, 1913, the club has a long and storied history in Argentine football. The team currently competes in the Argentine Primera División, the top tier of the country's league system. The club's nickname, "La Lepra," is embraced by supporters and has become a central part of its identity.

Independiente Rivadavia has made several appearances in the top flight over the decades, including campaigns in 1968, 1973, 1977, 1979–80, and 1982. In 1982, the club reached the quarter-finals of the National Championship, only to be eliminated by Ferro Carril Oeste, who went on to win the title. After a long absence, the club returned to the Primera División in 2024, marking a new chapter in its history.

The club plays its home matches at the Estadio Bautista Gargantini, a venue that has been central to the matchday experience for fans in the Mendoza region. Known for its passionate supporter base, the club maintains an active presence on social media and continues to build on its legacy as a competitive force in Argentine football. [edit]

Independiente Rivadavia was founded on January 24, 1913, under the original name Club Atlético Independiente. Based in Mendoza, the club quickly became a prominent side in the Cuyo region. Over the years, the club has had several stints in the Argentine first division, with notable appearances in 1968, 1973, 1977, 1979–80, and 1982. In the 1982 National Championship, the club reached the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Ferro Carril Oeste, the eventual champions.

After decades in the lower divisions, the club secured promotion to the Primera División in 2024, marking a significant achievement. The current 2026 season has been eventful, with the team competing in the Torneo Clausura. In early August 2026, the club's unbeaten run in the Clausura was snapped with a 2–1 loss to Sarmiento de Junín. Prior to that, they had recorded a notable 2–1 victory over CA Huracán, a match where they registered 21 shots and an expected goals figure of 2.36 despite having only 36% possession.

The club has also been active in the Copa Argentina, advancing past Tigre in the 2026 edition. Off the pitch, the club has been busy in the transfer market, securing the loan signing of Maximiliano Salas from River Plate and Colombian forward Luis Díaz from Envigado FC. There have also been talks with Boca Juniors regarding potential signings to reinforce the squad. [edit]