The team scores with Carrillo in the 90th minute, maintains the tie in overtime and does better in alternating charges
THE Students is the champion of the Torneo Clausura do Argentine Championship. This Saturday, at the Único Madre de Ciudades stadium, in Santiago del Estero, the La Plata team won the Races on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra time, thus securing the title and a direct place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2026.
Estudiantes came close to defeat in regulation time. The team fell behind on the scoreboard and only managed to take the decision in the 47th minute of the second half, when Carrillo appeared just inside the box after a free kick and headed in firmly to tie the match and force overtime.
Normally, the confrontation was balanced and included few clear-cut chances. Racing had a slight superiority in possession in the first half and created their best chances with Vergara, who risked shots from outside the area and forced Muslera to make good saves. Yet without much offensive volume.
The Estudiantes, in turn, were more dangerous when they managed to attack. Carrillo had the main chance in the first half, when he received the ball in the box with space, but he finished poorly and sent it away, losing the opportunity to open the score.
In the last stage, the duel continues to be fought until Racing manages to take the advantage. In a move of speed, Adrián Martínez launched himself, beat the marking, dribbled past Muslera and finished in the cover to score a fine goal, giving Racing the lead with a draw seemingly on the way.
Behind the scoreboard, Estudiantes had to launch an attack and managed to equalize in stoppage time. In the 47th minute, after a free kick, Carrillo stood up and tried to equalize and make the decision to extend.
In extra time, Estudiantes adopted a more attacking attitude following the changes promoted by the coach and were close to a turning point in the first half of extra time, when Alario finished inside the box. In the second stage, physical exhaustion reduced the pace of the match and the decision ended in a penalty shootout.
In terms of charges, the balance was maintained up to the substitutes. Pardo hit the post with the decisive kick, securing Estudiantes’ victory and the Torneo Clausura title, in addition to the prize money of US$500,000 (approximately R$2.7 million). Before, Cetre and Martinera had stopped on the goalkeepers.
The title also had special meaning off the field. Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón followed the decision from the stands and celebrated the achievement alongside the fans. The former player is serving a sentence imposed by the AFA.
With this victory, Estudiantes confirmed its presence in the next edition of the Libertadores, joining Boca Juniors, Lanús, Argentinos Juniors, Platense, Rosario Central and Independiente Rivadavia among the Argentine representatives. The races took place in the South American championship.
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