In the much-anticipated clash between Gimnasia and Estudiantes, held at the Estadio El Bosque, the visitors secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the second semifinal of the Clausura. The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Tiago Palacios netted the only goal of the match, sealing the fate of the encounter.
Palacios was outstanding throughout the match; the midfielder not only scored the crucial goal but also completed 15 successful passes and made 2 crucial interceptions.
Defensively, Santiago Arzamendia played a vital role for Estudiantes, effectively recovering 3 balls and clearing away 5 dangerous attempts from the opposition.
Gimnasia’s manager, Fernando Zaniratto, deployed a 4-5-1 formation with Nelson Insfrán in goal; the defensive line featured Juan Pintado, Renzo Giampaoli, Enzo Martínez, and Pedro Silva Torrejón. The midfield comprised Nicolás Barros Schelotto, Augusto Max, Manuel Panaro, Bautista Merlini, and Alejandro Piedrahita, with Marcelo Torres leading the attack.
On the other hand, Estudiantes, under coach Eduardo Domínguez, also opted for a 4-5-1 setup, with Fernando Muslera guarding the net; the defense included Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Leandro González Pirez, and Santiago Arzamendia. In midfield were Santiago Ascacíbar, Lucas Piovi, Tiago Palacios, Cristian Medina, and Edwuin Cetré, alongside Lucas Alario up front.
Facundo Tello Figueroa officiated the match, ensuring fair play and order throughout the game.
With this victory, Estudiantes advances to the final of the Clausura, where they will face Racing Club on Saturday, December 13.
Substitutions for Gimnasia
66’ Second Half – Out: Bautista Merlini for Jan Hurtado, Alejandro Piedrahita for Jeremías Merlo, and Manuel Panaro for Norberto Briasco.
75’ Second Half – Out: Augusto Max for Lucas Castro.
81’ Second Half – Out: Nicolás Barros Schelotto for Pablo Aguiar and Edwuin Cetré for Facundo Rodríguez.
Yellow Cards for Gimnasia:
20’ First Half – Alejandro Piedrahita (Unsporting behavior); 34’ First Half – Nicolás Barros Schelotto (Unsporting behavior); 36’ First Half – Juan Pintado (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Estudiantes
68’ Second Half – Out: Lucas Alario for Franco Domínguez and Tiago Palacios for Alexis Castro.
69’ Second Half – Out: Lucas Piovi for Mikel Amondarain.
88’ Second Half – Out: Santiago Arzamendia for Gastón Benedetti.
Yellow Cards for Estudiantes:
11’ First Half – Lucas Piovi (Unsporting behavior); 41’ First Half – Cristian Medina (Unsporting behavior); 52’ Second Half – Santiago Núñez (Insulting or dissenting towards the referee); 73’ Second Half – Franco Domínguez (Unsporting behavior).