Liga Profesional
Defensa Y Justicia Edge Belgrano Cordoba in Clausura Six Clash
Second-half strikes from D. Fernandez and R. Hernandes sealed a 2-1 victory for the visitors at Estadio Julio Cesar Villagra.
Defensa Y Justicia secured a narrow 2-1 win over Belgrano Cordoba in their Clausura - 6 fixture at Estadio Julio Cesar Villagra, with second-half goals proving decisive in a match that finished with the away side claiming all three points.
The hosts began brightly but were punished early when C. Perez gave Defensa Y Justicia the lead in the 12th minute, capitalising on an assist from J. Gutierrez. Despite Belgrano Cordoba's efforts to respond before halftime, the visitors held firm to take a 1-0 advantage into the break.
The second half saw Defensa Y Justicia double their lead just after the restart, as D. Fernandez found the net in the 47th minute, assisted by L. Fernandez. The goal appeared to put the result beyond reach, with the visitors comfortably managing their advantage.
However, Belgrano Cordoba pulled one back in the 59th minute through R. Hernandes, who received a pass from L. Passerini to reduce the deficit. The goal injected new energy into the home side's attack, and they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Both teams had opportunities in the closing stages, with Belgrano Cordoba enjoying the better chances. Their efforts were rewarded with a late surge, but the visitors' defence held firm, aided by a yellow card shown to A. J. Benitez Cabrera in stoppage time.
Defensa Y Justicia's J. Gutierrez was shown a yellow card in the 65th minute, while F. Roman received a late booking for the visitors. Referee F. Espinoza maintained control throughout, with both sides creating chances in an open contest.
The result leaves Defensa Y Justicia in fourth place in Clausura - Group A with 11 points from six matches, while Belgrano Cordoba sit third in Clausura - Group B with 10 points after the defeat.
Both coaches, Ricardo Zielinski for the home side and Mariano Soso for the visitors, deployed 4-2-3-1 formations, with the tactical battle largely dominated by Defensa Y Justicia's clinical finishing in the final third.
Looking ahead, Defensa Y Justicia will be encouraged by their ability to hold on for the win, while Belgrano Cordoba will rue their failure to convert late pressure into a second goal.
The match concluded with Defensa Y Justicia claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory, with goals from C. Perez, D. Fernandez, and R. Hernandes determining the outcome in Cordoba.