Unión celebrated a narrow victory at home by defeating Estudiantes 1-0 during the opening round of the Clausura on Monday. The only goal of the match came from the talented midfielder Mauricio Martínez, who found the net in the 20th minute of the first half.
The goal was a product of patience and determination. Martínez skillfully maneuvered the ball after receiving it on the right flank before unleashing a stunning shot from inside the box, which nestled into the left corner past the goalkeeper.
Just seconds into the match, Estudiantes’ Franco Fragapane had a chance to break the deadlock, but his strike hit the post, denying an early lead.
Despite holding a dominant possession of 65%, Estudiantes failed to translate their control into meaningful scoring opportunities, struggling to impose themselves on the game.
Mauricio Martínez was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing not only with his goal but also delivering 19 key passes throughout the game.
Estudiantes’ goalkeeper Fernando Muslera also had moments to shine, making seven saves and completing 17 accurate passes, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
In a moment of flair, Unión’s defender Lautaro Vargas displayed skillful footwork by executing an impressive nutmeg on his marker in the 72nd minute of the second half.
For this match, Unión’s coach, Leonardo Madelón, fielded a 4-4-2 formation featuring Matías Tagliamonte in goal; with Lautaro Vargas, Franco Pardo, Valentín Fascendini, and Mateo Del Blanco forming the defense; Julián Palacios, Mauro Pittón, Mauricio Martínez, and Franco Fragapane in midfield; and Lucas Gamba alongside Cristian Tarragona in attack.
On the other side, Estudiantes, under Eduardo Domínguez, opted for a similar 4-4-2 setup, with Fernando Muslera guarding the net; Eric Meza, Santiago Núñez, Leandro González Pirez, and Gastón Benedetti in defense; Tiago Palacios, Santiago Ascacíbar, Lucas Piovi, and Alexis Castro in midfield; and Facundo Farías alongside Guido Carrillo in the forward line.
The match referee was Fernando Espinoza, who officiated the exciting contest at Avenida Stadium.
Looking ahead, Unión will face Boca Juniors away in their next fixture, while Estudiantes is set to host Huracán.
Substitutions for Unión
64’ 2T – Lucas Gamba was replaced by Marcelo Estigarribia, and Julián Palacios was substituted for Lionel Verde.
76’ 2T – Cristian Tarragona came off for Diego Díaz.
82’ 2T – Mauricio Martínez was substituted by Rafael Profini.
83’ 2T – Lautaro Vargas left the field for Nicolás Paz.
Yellow Cards for Unión:
17’ 1T Julián Palacios (Unsporting behavior), 24’ 2T Cristian Tarragona (Unsporting behavior), 28’ 2T Matías Tagliamonte (Delay of game), and 36’ 2T Lautaro Vargas (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Estudiantes
54’ 2T – Alexis Castro was replaced by Cristian Medina, Facundo Farías came off for Edwuin Cetré, and Gastón Benedetti was substituted for Santiago Arzamendia.
68’ 2T – Tiago Palacios was substituted by Lucas Alario.
86’ 2T – Lucas Piovi left the match for Fabricio Pérez.
Yellow Cards for Estudiantes:
8’ 1T Facundo Farías (Unsporting behavior) and 44’ 2T Eric Meza (Unsporting behavior).