Club Atlético Independiente

Foundation

In 1904, the employees of a store located in Monserrat had founded a football club called Maipu FC. The mostly young employees were only allowed to watch the games but could not play for the team. As a result, at a meeting in a bar located in front of the club, they chose to form a new club. The name chosen was "Independiente" ("Independent" in Spanish) to mark their independence from Maipú FC.

Rosendo Degiorgio was appointed interim president. Degiorgio's family offered the use of a small room in their home, at 1585 Montevideo St., in the neighborhood of Recoleta, to be the first clubhouse. This room is where the first club meetings were held.

It was decided to call the first meeting at which it was established that will formalize the establishment of the club for Sunday 1 January 1905, at home partner Daniel Bevilacqua (addressed in 329 Esmeralda St., 3rd floor). On 25 March 1905, Arístides Langone was elected first president of the institution. Langone who proposed the first colors for the football jersey, white with details in blue which badge was strongly inspired by St. Andrew's, the first Argentine football champion in 1891.

The institution's first stadium was a humble sports ground in Boyacá Avenue. (North Flores in 1905, Villa General Mitre today). In mid-1905 it moved to its second site, which is in the corner of San Martin and Donato Alvarez Avenues, also in Villa General Mitre. The third field in which they played was in the neighborhood of Palermo, in an area of the National College West (now Mariano Moreno), on the corner of Alvear Avenue (today named Del Libertador Avenue) and Tagle St.. The institution started playing there in late 1905 and remained there until April 1906 (one year later, the Club Atletico River Plate take this place). The fourth stadium was in the corner od Espinosa and Paysandú Sts. (in the neighborhood of La Paternal, from 27 May 1906 until the end of 1906. At the beginning of 1907, the institution settled in Avellaneda, on land located at 540 Manuel Ocantos St..

Early years

Independiente played its first game on Sunday 15 January 1905, against Atlanta, in the "bohemios" field, losing 1–0. The next game was played on 22 January 1905 against Maipú Banfield F.C., which ended in a 0–0 draw. The club won the first game in its history with a resounding 11–0 win against Albion on 7 May 1905. Affiliated to The Argentine Football Association, Independiente was allowed to play in the second and third division. The team at second played regularly but the squad at third division suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of Atlanta by 21–0.

However, the team was reorganized and played the first "Avellaneda Derby" in history, played on 9 June 1907. Independiente beat Racing 3–2, although Racing supporters had predicted their team would win by a large result.

That same year Independiente moved to its new field located in Avellaneda, which was built in Manuel Ocantos street. On 10 May 1908, the team played for the first time wearing the red jersey, in a match against Banfield that Independiente won 9–2. The red color was adopted because of the identification of some of its founders with the socialist movement. In 1909, the Independiente team that took part in the Second Division won the Copa Bullrich, the first official trophy. José Buruca Laforia, former seven-time Alumni's goalkeeper, was part of the team.

On 9 July 1911, the club moved into its sixth field, which was also in La Crucecita district, more precisely in Mitre Avenue. It was celebrated with a match against Estudiantil Porteño, which Independiente won 1–0.

Independiente promoted to first division in 1912 for being one of the two founder members (along with Gimnasia y Esgrima de Buenos Aires) of the Federación del Fútbol Argentina. The club would never be relegated to lower divisions up to 2013.

From white to red

Independiente's original shirt was half blue and half white, with blue shorts, but in 1907, when President Arístides Langone saw Nottingham Forest's red outfit, he decided to give Independiente a new look. Langone thought they looked like "red devils", which would later become Independiente's nickname. In 1908, in a match against C. A. Bristol of Uruguay (black-white stripes), Independiente wore the red outfit for the first time, having also changed their original name to "Club Atlético Independiente". The original outfit is used as the second kit, even using the original logo on the chest.

Amateur Era

The stadium La Crucecita had been built in 1910 and destroyed by fire in 1923. By those years the "Avellaneda derby" was the most popular match in Argentina, even more than the "Superclásico", as these clubs were involved in separate leagues until the arrival of professionalism faced only occasionally.

During the amateur era, Independiente won two titles, in 1922 (its first official trophy in Primera) and 1926 (where the team finished undefeated). Some notable players of those times were Manuel Seoane (all-time top scorer of amateur era) Zoilo Canavery and Raimundo Orsi. It was during the 1926 tournament that Independiente was nicknamed "Diablos Rojos" ("Red Devils") for the first time. This nickname came from journalist Hugo Marini who worked at Crítica newspaper. Marini had stated that the forward line "was like possessed by the Devil" due to its skilled players that formed it. This nickname was accepted by followers and has remained since as the most popular nickname of the team.

Independiente also won the Copa de Competencia Jockey Club (which succeeded an old version that "The Diablos" had won in 1917) in three consecutive times: 1924, 1925 and 1926. In 1927 the team reached the Campeonato Porteño finals.

In 1928 the club began to build its seventh (and last, to date) stadium. t is believed that managers chose concrete because unlike wood (the material of his previous stage) was a non-combustible material, and therefore would not suffer another fire. This stadium was officially opened on 4 March 1928, and it was the first stadium built in cement in Latin America (and the second worldwide). The stadium was soon nicknamed as "La Doble Visera" ("The Double Visor") by journalists.

Beginning of professional era

In 1931 the professional era of Argentine football began. The first professional match was an 1–1 draw against Argentinos Juniors and the following match Independiente achieved its first victory, a 3–1 over Huracán. At the end of the championship the first "Avellaneda derby" of professional era was played: it was won by Racing 7–4.

In 1937 Vicente de la Mata, one of the most notable players in history, arrived at the club. With his contribution, Independiente won its first professional titles, in 1938 and 1939. Paraguayan forward Arsenio Erico was the all-time top scorer of the Argentine football with 295 goals in official matches, which is still a record. He had an average of 40 goals by season. Moreover, Erico was the top scorer of 1937, 1938 and 1939.

Independiente also won two Copa Ricardo Aldao, which was disputed between champions from Argentina and Uruguay, and the winner was proclaimed as Campeón Rioplatense. The squad defeated Peñarol in 1938 and Nacional in 1939.

The 1940s and 1950s

During the 1940s Vicente de la Mata became a great player, with the nickname "Capote", and a Tango with the same name was composed honoring him. Manuel López (lyrics) and Juan Sánchez Gorio (music) were the authors. In those times Independiente achieved several overwhelming victories. Some of them were 8–1 over Estudiantes de la Plata, a 5–0 over Vélez Sársfield, 7–1 over Boca Juniors and 7–0 over Racing Club, which is still the highest score in an Avellaneda derby. In 1941 Antonio Sastre left the club after playing 340 games for Independiente, and the following year it was Arsenio Erico who returned to Paraguay.

Independiente won a new title in 1948, defeating Racing 1–0 in the last fixture. At the end of the decade Ernesto Grillo (one of the most remembered players in the history of the club), made his debut.

In 1953 Independiente went on a European tour, which most outstanding victory was the 6–0 over Real Madrid (with Alfredo Di Stéfano as team's biggest star). Despite having toured successfully, the squad did not win any title in Argentina. Its best position was 2nd place in 1954.

The conquest of the Libertadores and local titles

Independiente started the 60s with a league title, and then another in 1963. At that time, Independiente had more than 45,000 members, a remodeled stadium, and kept growing institutionally. But one of Independiente's greatest achievements would be in 1964, by becoming the first Argentine team to win the Copa Libertadores. Independiente repeated the title in 1965.

1967 would see Independiente win the Nacional tournament. This team would be one of the last few teams that used a 2–3–5 formation. The consagratory match would be in the Avellaneda derby nonetheless, against Racing Club. The game was won by Independiente 4–0.

Again, Independiente started a new decade by winning a title (Metropolitano 1970). The 70s would be Independiente's Golden Era by obtaining 12 important titles: Metropolitano 1970, 1971, Nacional 1977, 1978, Copa Libertadores 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, Intercontinental Cup 1973, and Copa Interamericana 1973, 1974, 1975.

Independiente greatest achievement in the 70s was to win the Copa Libertadores four times in a row. Also, the team would become famous by having the Ricardo Bochini-Daniel Bertoni attacking duo.

But Independiente's most memorable game was the final match of the Nacional of 1977 tournament, even though the match was played on 25 January 1978. The final was against Talleres de Córdoba. The first leg was a tie (1–1) at Independiente's stadium and in the final match in Córdoba, the match was tied on one goal apiece, but with only 15 minutes remaining Talleres scored a controversial goal. As a result, Independiente's players protested, but instead the referee gave the red card to three of the players. With only 8 players playing and a few minutes remaining, Independiente tied the game with an incredible goal by Bochini, assisted by Bertoni. Independiente became the champion by the away goal difference rule.

In 1983, Independiente would win another Metropolitano tournament. Then in 1984, the club would obtain its seventh Copa Libertadores and became the team with won that tournament most. Independiente then played against Liverpool in Tokyo, Japan, for the Intercontinental Cup. The game ended in a victory for Independiente by 1–0, therefore winning the trophy for the second time.

The last important title that Independiente obtained in the 80s, was the 1988–89 season. Coached by Jorge Solari, the squad's most notable players were Bochini as the team strategist and Carlos Alfaro Moreno being the top scorer of the season. Independiente played a total of 38 matches, winning 22, with 11 draws and being defeated 5 times. The team scored 58 goals and conceded 32.

The 1990s and 2000s titles

The 90s started with the retirement of Ricardo Bochini in 1991. A one club man, in his 20 years of professional football from 1972 to 1991 Bochini played only for Independiente (and the national team), and participated in the club's Golden Era, with 8 international titles, and 4 Argentine championships. He played a total of 740 matches, scoring 107 goals.

Independiente would then win the 1994 Clausura, 1994 and 1995 Supercopa, and the 1995 Recopa. After winning the Recopa, Independiente then claimed 15 international titles.

After a 7-year drought without winning any important title, Independiente became champions of the Apertura 2002. This team, coached by Américo Gallego, had an offensive style featuring Federico Insúa, Daniel Montenegro, Andrés Silvera, among other important Argentine players.

Even though Independiente obtained an Argentine title in 2002, the club was going through to a serious debt that had been accumulating since the 90s. At first, it was said that the debt was more than 50 million dollars, but in February 2006, the Argentine justice established that the debt was around 26 million. With the transfer of Sergio Agüero to Atlético de Madrid for about 23 million euros, Independiente is hoping to pay off the debt. The club is taking its last steps into coming out of receivership.

The 2006–07 season started with a lot of enthusiasm. With former star Jorge Burruchaga as the team manager, and notable players such as Daniel Montenegro, Germán Denis and Óscar Ustari, it was expected that the team would fight for the titles. The Apertura finished with Independiente in a fourth place, despite a very irregular campaign, which included a home loss against Gimnasia y Esgrima Jujuy in the last match ever played in the historic Libertadores de América Stadium.

The Clausura 2007 tournament was a total catastrophe. Having earned just 8 points in the first 10 matches, manager Burruchaga resigned after a home loss 0–2 against the modest Godoy Cruz de Mendoza. Miguel Ángel Santoro became the interim coach. The team finished unbeaten with him, winning 4 matches and the other 5 resulting in ties. Independiente finished 11th in the tournament, and missed classification to Libertadores and Sudamericana Cups by just 2 points.

Claudio Borghi took over as manager of the team in 2008, despite a good start, Borghi resigned after losing 3 matches in a row, and was replaced by Miguel Angel Santoro in his fourth spell as manager of the team. Many players were brought to revert the horrible 2007 campaign. Higher profile players such as Federico Higuaín, Leonel Rios, Emmanuel Centurion, Leandro Depetris, Leonel Nuñez and Dario Gandin were brought but the performance was not as expected. They were eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana in the 1st round and had three consecutive defeats in the 2008 Apertura (Newell's 0–1, 0–2 against Lanus and Huracan 0–1) that finalized the blow that was seeing the team fail to secure a top spot or enter an international competition .

The Reds were led by Americo Gallego, who left the champion with Independiente in Apertura 2002 after Santoro's resignation after a few dates in the Clausura 2009. Under the leadership of Santoro, Independiente is positioned at the 18th place of the 2008 Open over Rosario Central and River Plate 19 º 20 º. In summer, the club signed Eduardo Tuzzio and Paraguayan Diego Gavilan.

In Clausura 2009 Independiente had a very poor campaign in finishing 16th over 19 teams. Hopes were renewed for the Apertura 2009, due to the signings of talented striker Andrés Silvera, Carlos Matheu, Ignacio Piatti, and other 5 first level players. Coach Américo Gallego reduced the size of the squad, letting go of 17 players including star attacking midfielder Daniel Montenegro. Those moves paid off, and Independiente finished the tournament with 34 points (4th).

Decline and relegation

For the Clausura 2010, Independiente's coach got some new important signings and were on top of the positions until nearly the end of the tournament. They ended up in the 4th position, and although the team qualified to the Copa Sudamericana, the board didn't offer Gallego a new contract.

The Apertura 2010 saw a very poor campaign for Independiente. The president, Julio Comparada, decided not to spend too much money on transfers as it was being spent on the works on the Estadio Libertadores de América. Moreover, some important players left the club, such as Ignacio Piatti, Darío Gandín, Walter Acevedo and Luciano Vella. General manager César Luis Menotti and head coach Daniel Garnero were sacked, and Antonio Mohamed was hired as coach. He gave a new look to the team after defeating their archrivals (Racing) 1–0. Even though the team stayed in the last positions of the domestic tournament, they advanced through the stages of the Copa Sudamericana, eventually winning the competition via penalty shootout in the final against Goiás.

When Independiente's president, Julio Comparada, was replaced with Javier Cantero, the later revealed severe economic problems, that could bring Independiente to an end if they are not dealt accordingly. He revealed that the Club had 400 million Argentine Pesos available and the team itself had severe problems with lineups.

River Plate's legend Ramón Diaz was signed to coach Independiente after the departure of Antonio Mohamed. The Diaz era started pretty well, with the team facing problems with promotion, El Rojo also had to play the Copa Sudamericana 2011, which ended with Independiente being sent out by Liga de Quito. When it was time to face Racing Club, Independiente could only get a 1–1 draw. After an average campaign on Apertura 2011, Independiente managed to qualify for Copa Sudamericana 2012.

In 2013 Torneo Inicial Independiente finished 18th of 20, accumulating 17 points in 19 matches. During the 2013 Torneo Final, with few fixtures remaining for the end of the tournament, Miguel Brindisi returned to the club as manager. Nevertheless, the team did not reverse its poor form, and was relegated to the Primera B Nacional for the first time in its history. The president Javier Cantero, with a term that would have ended in December 2014, resigned in April.

However, soon after that, the influential leader Hugo Moyano took over the club by winning the elections. After a good participation in the second division, Independiente went back to Primera División and in its first tournament after their return, the team trained by Jorge Almirón, qualified for the Copa Sudamericana, to be disputed in the second semester of 2015.

Notes:

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

*Independiente.com appeared in place of shirt sponsor to promote the club's new website.

Stadium

The Estadio Libertadores de América is a stadium located in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The stadium was officially named only as recently as 2005, having been previously known simply as Estadio de Independiente or La Doble Visera de Cemento ("The double cement visor") because of the two roofs overhanging the spectators.

On 4 March 1928, in a match against Peñarol of Uruguay that ended in a draw, Independiente established the first concrete stadium in South America and would host all international finals Independiente played as local team (7 of the Copa Libertadores, 3 of the Intercontinental Cups, 2 of the Supercopa Sudamericanas and 2 of the Interamericanas Cup) as well as many Argentina international matches, mostly in the 1930s and 1940s.

The Estadio Libertadores de América was closed for repairs in 2007, and reopened October 28, 2009 in a league match against Club Atlético Colón, which Independiente won 3–2. During construction, Independiente played their home games in four different stadiums.

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Current squad of Club Atlético Independiente as of October 17, 2016 (edit)
Sources: Argentine Soccer

Manager: Gabriel Milito

Top-scorers by season

The following tables lists the players that have been named top scorers playing for Independiente in Primera División. Independiente has 15 top scorers.

League

National cups

International