The match at Estadio El Fortín ended with Tigre feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment, as they succumbed to a late goal from Vélez, losing 2-1 in the opening round of the Clausura.
Tomás Galván struck first for Vélez just before halftime at the 45-minute mark, giving his team the lead. Shortly after the break, Imanol Machuca doubled the advantage for Vélez with a swift goal at the 49th minute. Despite a valiant effort from Tigre, including a penalty conversion by Diego Sosa in the 85th minute, the hosts could not turn the tide in the remaining minutes of the match.
Imanol Machuca emerged as the standout player for the game, showcasing his skill with a goal, completing 19 successful passes, and attempting two shots on target. Tomás Galván also made significant contributions, scoring and completing 15 passes, alongside recovering three balls for his team.
In one notable moment, Tigre’s Elías Cabrera left Vélez defender Jano Gordón bewildered with a delightful nutmeg at the 19-minute mark of the first half.
Vélez, under the strategic guidance of coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Tomás Marchiori in goal; the defensive line included Jano Gordón, Emanuel Mammana, Lisandro Magallán, and Elías Gómez. In midfield, they featured Claudio Baeza, Agustín Bouzat, Maher Carrizo, Tomás Galván, and Imanol Machuca, with Braian Romero leading the attack.
On the other side, Tigre’s squad, managed by Diego Dabove, also opted for a 4-5-1 formation, with Felipe Zenobio as the goalkeeper. The defense consisted of Martín Ortega, Joaquín Laso, Ramón Arias, and Diego Sosa, while the midfield included Sebastián Medina, Santiago González, Gonzalo Piñeiro, Héctor Fértoli, and Elías Cabrera, with Ignacio Russo upfront.
Referee Sebastián Martínez officiated the tense match.
Next up, Vélez will face Platense in the next fixture, while Tigre will play at home against Argentinos Juniors.
Substitutions for Vélez
- 63’ 2T – Imanol Machuca off for Francisco Pizzini, Tomás Galván off for Tobías Andrada
- 81’ 2T – Agustín Bouzat off for Leonel Roldán
Cautions for Vélez:
- 38’ 2T – Tomás Marchiori (Unsporting conduct)
- 45’ 2T – Elías Gómez (Unsporting conduct)
Dismissal for Vélez:
- 27’ 1T – Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Direct red)
Substitutions for Tigre
- 67’ 2T – Gonzalo Piñeiro off for Bruno Leyes, Héctor Fértoli off for Braian Martínez, Sebastián Medina off for Jabes Saralegui
- 80’ 2T – Elías Cabrera off for Blas Armoa, Ignacio Russo off for Tomás Cardona
Dismissal for Tigre:
- 34’ 2T – Ramón Arias (Direct red)