In a thrilling conclusion, Gimnasia (J) managed to overcome Central Córdoba (SE) 5-4 in a penalty shootout, which allowed them to proceed to the next stage of the Copa Argentina. Martín Lazarte, Mauro Cachi, Federico Paradela, David Gallardo, and Diego Fores López were successful from the spot for the victors, whereas Marco Iacobellis failed to convert for the losing side.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time, leading to penalties to determine the winner. For Central Córdoba (SE), Marco Iacobellis opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Matías Vera added a second in the 53rd minute. Gimnasia (J) responded with goals from Mauro Cachi in the 48th minute and an own goal by Ezequiel Naya in the 35th minute of the first half.
Matías Vera was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, impressing in the midfield by scoring one goal and taking two shots on target. Likewise, Mauro Cachi was pivotal for Gimnasia (J), contributing a goal and creating several scoring opportunities with four shots on goal.
The manager of Central Córdoba (SE), Lucas Pusineri, set his team up in a 4-5-1 formation with Alan Aguerre as goalkeeper; Fernando Martínez, Juan Pablo Pignani, Alejandro Maciel, and Leonardo Marchi in defense; Tiago Cravero, Marco Iacobellis, Matías Vera, Lucas González, and Horacio Tijanovich in midfield; and Ezequiel Naya leading the attack.
On the other side, Hernán Pellerano’s Gimnasia (J) matched them with a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Milton Álvarez in goal; Delfor Minervino, Guillermo Cosaro, Nicolás Dematei, and Emiliano Endrizzi in defense; Hugo Soria, Francisco Maidana, Maximiliano Casa, Mauro Cachi, and Francisco Molina in the middle of the park; with Cristian Menéndez up front.
The referee for the encounter was Andrés Gariano.
With this victory, Gimnasia (J) secured their passage to the round of 16 in the Copa Argentina.
Substitutions for Central Córdoba (SE)
34’ 1T – Fernando Martínez replaced by José Gómez
45’ 2T – Tiago Cravero replaced by Fernando Juárez, Horacio Tijanovich replaced by Facundo Mansilla, and Ezequiel Naya replaced by Michael Santos
74’ 2T – Fernando Juárez replaced by Joaquín Flores
Yellow Cards for Central Córdoba (SE):
14’ 2T Michael Santos (Unsporting behavior), 32’ 2T Joaquín Flores (Unsporting behavior), and 45’ 2T Alejandro Maciel (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Gimnasia (J)
60’ 2T – Delfor Minervino replaced by Diego Fores López and Francisco Molina replaced by David Gallardo
69’ 2T – Emiliano Endrizzi replaced by Martín Lazarte and Maximiliano Casa replaced by Axel Pinto
79’ 2T – Francisco Maidana replaced by Federico Paradela
Yellow Cards for Gimnasia (J):
17’ 1T Nicolás Dematei (Unsporting behavior), 25’ 1T Delfor Minervino (Unsporting behavior), and 47’ 2T Federico Paradela (Insulting or dissenting against the referee)