On September 30, 2023, Unión showcased their skills in a commanding 3-1 victory over Sarmiento at the Estadio Eva Perón. The match saw a strong start for the Tatengue, with Julián Palacios igniting the scoreboard just 9 minutes into the first half. Brahian Cuello extended the lead with a goal at the 12-minute mark, followed by Cristian Tarragona scoring another just three minutes into the second half. Although Sarmiento’s Junior Marabel managed a goal in the 55th minute, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
A standout moment came early in the game when Julián Palacios broke through Sarmiento’s defense, scoring with a spectacular shot from inside the box that hit the left post. Despite their efforts, Sarmiento struggled to close the gap, even hitting the woodwork in the 84th minute when Marabel’s strike ricocheted off the post.
Cristian Tarragona’s performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, having not only scored a crucial goal but also registered four attempts on goal. Palacios also shined brightly, with one goal and two shots on target.
In a notable display of skill and flair, Sarmiento’s Jhon Renteria left Unión’s Mateo Del Blanco bewildered with a brilliant nutmeg in the game’s closing stages.
Coach Facundo Sava fielded Sarmiento in a 4-4-2 setup, starting with Javier Burrai in goal, supported by a defensive line of Juan Manuel Cabrera, Renzo Orihuela, Juan Manuel Insaurralde, and Yair Arismendi. The midfield featured Julián Contrera, Cristian Zabala, Carlos Villalba, and Santiago Salle, while Junior Marabel and Diego Churín led the attack.
Unión, under Leonardo Madelón’s guidance, also lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Matías Mansilla guarding the net, while Lautaro Vargas, Alex Maizon Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Ludueña, and Mateo Del Blanco formed the defense. The midfield consisted of Julián Palacios, Mauro Pittón, Rafael Profini, and Brahian Cuello, with Cristian Tarragona and Marcelo Estigarribia at the front.
The match was officiated by referee Daniel Zamora and highlighted multiple key performances and dramatic moments. In their next fixture, Sarmiento will host Estudiantes (RC), while Unión will travel to face Instituto.
Substitutions for Sarmiento
At 45+2, Carlos Villalba was replaced by Mauricio Martínez, Yair Arismendi by Gabriel Díaz, and Santiago Salle by Jhon Renteria. At 69+2, Julián Contrera was substituted with Jonatan Gómez, Brahian Cuello for Misael Aguirre, and Julián Palacios for Augusto Solari. Finally, in the 86th minute, Cristian Zabala was replaced by Manuel García.
Yellow Cards for Sarmiento:
34’ 1T – Cristian Zabala for dissent towards the referee, 38’ 1T – Yair Arismendi for unsporting behavior, 44’ 2T – Jhon Renteria for holding an opponent to prevent advancement, and 49’ 2T – Juan Manuel Cabrera for unsporting behavior.
Substitutions for Unión
At 62+2, Rafael Profini was replaced by Emilio Giaccone and Marcelo Estigarribia by Diego Díaz. At 77+2, Cristian Tarragona came off for Bruno Pittón.
Yellow Cards for Unión:
30’ 1T – Lautaro Vargas for dissent towards the referee, 30’ 1T – Alex Maizon Rodriguez for unsporting behavior, 46’ 1T – Marcelo Estigarribia for unsporting behavior, and 37’ 2T – Mateo Del Blanco for unsporting behavior.