Liga Profesional
Sarmiento Junin 2-0 Estudiantes L.P. | Clausura Dominance at Eva Perón
Two second-half strikes sealed a vital home win for Sarmiento in Junín.
Sarmiento Junín secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Estudiantes L.P. at Estadio Eva Perón, extending their strong start to the Clausura campaign. The hosts, playing under Facundo Sava in a 4-4-2 formation, took the lead in the 18th minute through M. Martinez, who found the net with an assist from J. Mavilla. The goal set the tone for a composed first half, with Sarmiento keeping a clean sheet leading into the break.
Estudiantes, managed by Alexander Medina in a 4-2-3-1 setup, struggled to break down a disciplined Sarmiento defense. Their difficulties were compounded early when Lucas Alario picked up a yellow card in the 6th minute, and Joaquin Pereyra followed suit in the 40th. Despite the pressure, Estudiantes failed to test the home goalkeeper meaningfully before halftime.
The second half remained tight until the 80th minute, when G. Gonzalez doubled Sarmiento’s lead. The strike, assisted by J. Marabel, effectively ended the contest and gave the home side breathing room. Estudiantes tried to respond, but their efforts were largely limited to long-range attempts and set pieces.
Discipline continued to falter for both sides in the closing stages. Julian Contrera and Lucas Suárez received yellow cards in the 26th and 54th minutes respectively, while Joaquín Correa and Eros Mancuso were booked late in stoppage time. The referee, Nicolas Lamolina, kept a tight rein on proceedings throughout.
With the win, Sarmiento Junín climbed to the top of Clausura - Group B with 12 points from six matches. Estudiantes L.P., meanwhile, remained in 12th place in Clausura - Group A with six points, leaving them with work to do if they hope to challenge at the top. The result underscored Sarmiento’s growing confidence at home and highlighted areas for improvement for their visitors.
Both coaches will take lessons from the performance. Sava’s tactical discipline paid off, while Medina will need to address his team’s attacking inefficiency. With the season still in its early stages, there is plenty of football left to play.