World Cup Legend Ángel Di María Leads Rosario Central’s Return to Copa Libertadores
Rosario Central is preparing for a high-stakes night on April 9, 2026, as they debut in the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores. The Argentine side returns to South America’s most prestigious club competition after a one-year absence, hosting Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle at the Gigante de Arroyito.
The spotlight shines brightest on captain Ángel Di María, who serves as the leader and emblem of “El Canalla.” In a poetic turn for the club, the World Cup champion is set to face the Copa Libertadores 20 years after his first match in the tournament. Even as Di María has missed recent action while recovering from an injury, he has returned to training with the squad and is expected to be in the starting lineup.
Manager Jorge Almirón is expected to field his strongest XI, as the regulars were rested following a 2-1 victory over Atlético Tucumán in the Apertura. Central is currently performing well domestically, sitting 4th in Zona B with 21 points and pushing toward the playoffs.
However, the challenge will be steep against Independiente del Valle. The Ecuadorian side is a seasoned veteran of the tournament, appearing in the Libertadores for the eighth consecutive edition. Under the guidance of Uruguayan coach Joaquín Papa, the “Matagigantes” are currently dominating their domestic league, sitting at the top with 16 points after five wins, one draw, and one loss in seven matches, including a recent 2-0 win over Orense. The visitors bring a strong Argentine contingent to Rosario, featuring Guido Villar, Joaquín Pombo, Mateo Carabajal, and Matías Perelló.
For supporters tracking the schedule and broadcast details for the clash, the match is set for a 19:00 local start. As Rosario Central reopens the curtain on their quest for glory, the result of this Group H opener will set the tone for their international campaign. Those looking for a prediction for the match can identify a variety of perspectives as these two sides collide in Argentina.
