Estudiantes managed to secure a slim victory over Sarmiento with a score of 1-0 in the sixth round of the tournament held at the Tierra de Campeones stadium. The decisive moment of the match came just five minutes into the second half when Alexis Castro broke the deadlock.
Executing an impressive individual run down the left flank, Castro unleashed a powerful shot from inside the box, finding the back of the net and bringing relief to the home supporters.
In a near-miss moment, Santiago Salle struck the post in the 46th minute, silencing the cheers of the visiting fans who were on the edge of their seats, eager for a goal.
Alexis Castro’s performance was outstanding, earning him the title of Man of the Match as he not only scored the goal but also created further opportunities with two other attempts on target.
Deflecting any threats from Sarmiento, Eric Meza proved to be a key player in defense for Estudiantes, clearing three dangerous balls and solidifying the back line.
During the first half, Estudiantes’ Gastón Benedetti showcased his skill by elegantly nutmegging Sarmiento’s Juan Manuel Cabrera, leaving the defender in his wake.
Manager Eduardo Domínguez set his team in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Fernando Muslera in goal; Eric Meza, Leandro González Pirez, Tomás Palacios, and Gastón Benedetti in defense; with Lucas Piovi, Alexis Castro, Fabricio Pérez, José Sosa, and Joaquín Tobio Burgos in the midfield; and Guido Carrillo leading the attack.
Sarmiento, under the management of Facundo Sava, opted for a 4-4-2 strategy, with Javier Burrai guarding the net; Juan Manuel Cabrera, Renzo Orihuela, Juan Manuel Insaurralde, and Lucas Suárez forming the defense; Julián Contrera, Cristian Zabala, Carlos Villalba, and Santiago Salle in the midfield; and Junior Marabel alongside Diego Churín in the forward positions.
The match was officiated by referee Andrés Merlos.
Looking ahead, Estudiantes will be visiting Newell’s in their next outing, while Sarmiento will host Unión.
Substitutions for Estudiantes
31’ 1T – José Sosa out for Tiago Palacios
67’ 2T – Joaquín Tobio Burgos out for Mikel Amondarain and Eric Meza out for Eros Mancuso
74’ 2T – Alexis Castro out for Brian Aguirre
75’ 2T – Fabricio Pérez out for Edwuin Cetré
Bookings for Estudiantes:
4’ 1T – Leandro González Pirez (Unsporting Behavior)
9’ 2T – Tomás Palacios (Dissent)
40’ 2T – Lucas Piovi (Unsporting Behavior)
42’ 2T – Fernando Muslera (Dissent against referee)
Substitutions for Sarmiento
36’ 1T – Lucas Suárez out for Yair Arismendi
68’ 2T – Carlos Villalba out for Mauricio Martínez and Diego Churín out for Jhon Renteria
81’ 2T – Cristian Zabala out for Jonatan Gómez
82’ 2T – Santiago Salle out for Brandon Márquez
Bookings for Sarmiento:
23’ 1T – Carlos Villalba (Unsporting Behavior)
10’ 2T – Cristian Zabala (Dissent)
34’ 2T – Javier Burrai (Dissent against referee)
47’ 2T – Yair Arismendi (Unsporting Behavior)