Liga Profesional
Huracan held to late draw by Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto in Clausura thriller
Two early penalties split the sides before a tense finish in Buenos Aires.
Huracan and Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto played out a 1-1 draw at Estadio Tomas Adolfo Duco in the seventh round of the Clausura, a result that left both sides needing more points in Group B.
The home side struck first in the third minute from the spot, with I. Pussetto converting the penalty to give Huracan an early lead under Diego Martinez.
Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto answered just before the half-hour mark when I. Hesar stepped up to slot in a penalty of his own, leveling the tie and sending the visitors into the break with momentum.
The first half ended 1-1, and the scoreline remained unchanged for much of the second period as both defenses grew resolute.
Ruben Forestello's side lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, while Huracan deployed a 4-3-3 under Martinez, but neither system produced a winner in open play.
Discipline frayed in the closing stages. F. Rodriguez and M. Valiente picked up yellow cards for Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto in the 24th and 52nd minutes respectively, while Huracan's C. Ibanez and F. F. Waller Martiarena were cautioned in the 44th and 58th minutes.
In stoppage time, both teams paid the price for late challenges. I. Hesar and L. Bruera received yellow cards for Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto in the 90+3rd and 90+4th minutes as the referee, Yael Falcon Perez, tried to restore order.
Despite the pressure in the final moments, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match finished in a draw.
The result leaves Huracan ninth in Clausura Group B with eight points from six matches, while Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto sit 13th with five points after the same number of games.
Both coaches will be disappointed not to secure all three points, particularly given the tight nature of the contest and the early goals that set the tone.
Looking ahead, Huracan will need to find a way to convert their home advantage more consistently, while Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto must improve their attacking output if they hope to climb the table.
The draw keeps the playoff race tight in Group B, with several teams separated by just a point or two as the season enters its middle phase.