Estudiantes lose in San Nicolás and the minutes evaporate; They disappear without anything significant happening near the arches. Fatigue is common and the scenario seems ideal for Platense. But one of the old men from Pincha, who joined just a few moments ago, has a different plan: to show up without warning and decide the game after ten months of drought. A tie that he himself would turn into a victory – and a star – a while later.
Lucas Alario (33 years old) He was the exclusive figure of the Champions Trophy. He only competed halfway through the second stage and the halfway point was enough to turn defeat into victory. Until a few days ago, the striker encountered resistance. Very resistant. His correct performance against Racing in the final of the Clausura tournament, with precise definition in the penalty series and his outstanding performance yesterday changed public opinion. The attacker had scored one goal all year and two against Calamar in just twelve minutes.
However, Alario is not the only experienced person who showed up at a critical moment. This was a constant throughout the semester for students. It’s worth looking back because if the legs lacked energy, they were the ones that disrupted the trend.
Fernando Muslera (39) He was perhaps the most consistent player on a team that was the exact opposite. While Pincha varied in his performances and results, the goalkeeper always remained consistent. His hierarchy and composure enabled the La Plata team to navigate despite the storms. And although his high level was not the exception and the rule, he had some really decisive performances. In the classic against Gimnasia, when the semi-final was a draw, he served – with a different hand – a ball that fell heavily behind his body. One of the best saves of 2025. And a few days later he shone against Racing: first he blocked a header from Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez as extra time ended, and then he blocked Gastón Martirena’s shot in the shootout.
On this day, the final against Academy, Estudiantes also needed the indispensable services of two other veterans. While the racing bench prepared to celebrate, José Sosa (40) sent a precise and elegant center for Guido Carrillo (34) he hit it against the net. And the goal duo wasn’t just that decisive statement. There were more. The Little Prince completed his best performance in recent memory and provided a value that was in short supply in the game: calm. Also worth highlighting is the thing with the striker: after training for a month for a hypothetical final (he was excluded and banned for four dates) and after wasting a few chances, he showed up when Pincha needed him most. A goalscorer who likes difficult games; which in this second half of the year also became the Cilindro de Avellaneda, the Maracaná and the October classic from La Plata.
“In this final phase, many of those who had not taken part this year had to take part. This is a gift for us, who.” Today we are old enough for this moderation and calm in difficult times and contribute to the group,” said the little prince.
There are two other experienced fighters that should not be ignored in the analysis: Leandro González Pirez and Ezequiel Piovi, both 33 years old. The defender strengthened the defense and also contributed with two goals that meant three points: the second in the 2-1 against Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza and the only win in the 1-0 against Aldosivi. In short: solidity and purpose.
The midfielder, for his part, established himself in the crucial part of the semester: Eduardo Domínguez gave him the responsibility of replacing Santiago Ascacibar in the round of 16. at Gigante de Arroyito, and from that day on he became the core element of the team. In other words, a just-in-time start and the key to balancing unbalanced operations leading up to that day.
The most experienced players of the La Plata team have easily three decades of life behind them and it is a fact that they are in the final phase of their careers. But they are valid! And if Pincha can’t find its way around, if it seems disoriented, they say they are there and offer solutions.
They are the veterans of Estudiantes, the decisive old men of the champion of champions.
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