Liga Profesional
Rosario Central Held by Gimnasia L.P. After Late Drama at Gigante de Arroyito
A 59th-minute own goal and late strikes seal a 2-1 victory for the visitors in a tightly contested Clausura clash.
Rosario Central and Gimnasia L.P. played out a tense affair at Gigante de Arroyito, with the visitors emerging 2-1 winners in a match defined by defensive lapses and late drama.
The hosts, coaching from the touchline Jorge Almiron, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation alongside Gimnasia, who were overseen by Mariano Messera in the same system.
The first half offered few clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. Gimnasia’s A. Pereyra picked up an early yellow card in the 19th minute, followed by N. Fernandez in the 32nd, as the visitors grew increasingly frustrated.
Rosario Central’s I. Ovando was cautioned just before halftime, in the 45th minute plus two, as tensions simmered beneath a goalless first half.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when Rosario Central’s C. Ledesma turned the ball into his own net, gifting Gimnasia an unexpected lead.
With the clock winding down, J. Campaz pulled one back for the hosts in the 86th minute, slotting home with an assist from T. Badaloni.
But Gimnasia responded swiftly. In the 88th minute, I. Miramon restored the visitors’ advantage, finding the net to make it 2-1.
The hosts pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Gimnasia’s defense held firm, despite B. Barros Schelotto collecting a late yellow card in stoppage time.
F. Navarro was booked for Rosario Central in the 78th minute, adding to the mounting frustration for the home side.
Referee Dario Herrera managed a contentious contest, with bookings handed out to both sides as the action intensified.
After the final whistle, Gimnasia climbed to eighth in Clausura Group B with nine points from six games, while Rosario Central sit fourth on eleven points.
The result leaves both sides with plenty to ponder as the Clausura campaign continues, with defensive frailties and late decisions proving decisive in a match that will linger in the memory of fans in Rosario.
Gimnasia’s resilience in defending their slender lead, combined with their clinical finishing in the dying moments, ultimately told the story of a hard-fought away victory.
For Rosario Central, the failure to capitalize on home advantage and the costly own goal will serve as painful reminders of how fine the margins are at this level.
The match concluded with Gimnasia L.P. celebrating a well-deserved 2-1 triumph, their defensive solidity and timely goals proving too much for the home side on the night.