At the Estadio Mundialista in Mendoza, an intense match unfolded between Godoy Cruz and Gimnasia for the fourth matchday of the league, resulting in a 2-1 victory for the visitors, Gimnasia. The scoring opened at the 26th minute of the first half when Manuel Panaro found the back of the net following a well-crafted play. Just three minutes later, at the 29th minute, Marcelo Torres extended the lead with a powerful header.
Godoy Cruz, despite being eager to turn the tide of the match, only managed to score once, with Agustín Auzmendi lighting up the scoreboard at the 90th minute, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Auzmendi had a golden opportunity to even the score in the 28th minute of the first half but was thwarted by the post.
Even though Godoy Cruz dominated in terms of shots, totaling 22 compared to Gimnasia’s 5, they couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Of those attempts, 9 were on target, 1 hit the frame, and 11 went wide.
Manuel Panaro was the standout player, contributing not only with a goal but also completing 9 successful passes.
On the other side, Nicolás Fernández of Godoy Cruz also made his mark with 38 successful passes and 4 shots on goal.
Godoy Cruz’s coach, Esteban Solari, employed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Franco Petroli in goal, a defensive line of Leonardo Jara, Mateo Mendoza, Leandro Quiroz, and Juan Segundo Morán, a midfield of Maximiliano González, Vicente Poggi, and Nicolás Fernández, with Misael Sosa, Agustín Auzmendi, and Santino Andino leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Gimnasia, under Alejandro Orfila, used a 4-4-2 formation with Nelson Insfrán in goal, defenders Juan Pintado, Renzo Giampaoli, Gastón Suso, and Juan Manuel Villalba, a midfield comprising Jeremías Merlo, Mateo Seoane, Nicolás Garayalde, and Manuel Panaro, and forwards Marcelo Torres and Norberto Briasco.
The referee overseeing the match was Pablo Echavarría.
Looking ahead, Godoy Cruz will visit River Plate in the next fixture, while Gimnasia will host Lanús.
Substitutions for Godoy Cruz
45’ 2T – Leonardo Jara for Lucas Arce, Misael Sosa for Daniel Barrea, and Maximiliano González for Walter Montoya.
69’ 2T – Vicente Poggi for Luca Martínez Dupuy.
87’ 2T – Juan Segundo Morán for Bastián Yáñez.
Yellow cards for Godoy Cruz:
29’ 1T – Franco Petroli and 39’ 1T – Maximiliano González (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Gimnasia
60’ 2T – Marcelo Torres for Germán Conti and Jeremías Merlo for Alejandro Piedrahita.
79’ 2T – Nicolás Garayalde for Augusto Max and Manuel Panaro for Bautista Merlini.
85’ 2T – Juan Manuel Villalba for Fabricio Corbalán.
Yellow cards for Gimnasia:
4’ 1T – Jeremías Merlo (Unsporting behavior), 29’ 1T – Marcelo Torres (Unsporting behavior), 45’ 1T – Norberto Briasco, 32’ 2T – Nicolás Garayalde (Unsporting behavior), and 36’ 2T – Nelson Insfrán (Delay of game).