After leading the Professional League for many dates and adding just three of the last 12 points in play, Atlético Tucumán came out to play each ball as if it were the last this Monday night against Argentinos in La Paternal, won 2-1 and renewed credentials to be considered again as a serious candidate for the title.
Lucas Pusineri’s team took the three points from Diego Armando Maradona thanks to a brace from Cristian Menéndez but above all for a remarkable collective display of sacrifice and self-love.
Reviewing each divided ball play again and hiding the clothing of one and another player, there would be no doubt in the viewer which was Argentinos and which was Atlético.
The goal from 1 to 0 came with a homer from Menéndez in the 29th minute. The “Polaco” received a side kick, held the mark, snubbed Torren with a heel and defined Lanzillotta’s near post to clear the way from Tucuman.
Nine minutes later it was 2-0, this time with a nice team play that ended with a cross from Renzo Tesuri and a low shot from Menéndez. Key in this action was Bicho’s poor coordination in defense to throw the offside and leave the former Ferro enabled to dive into the void.
Gabriel Milito did not hide the weakness of his team in the first half and made three simultaneous changes after halftime. The tactical movements suited Bicho well, but not enough to trace history.
Atlético had to suffer a little more than expected after being left with one less due to the expulsion of Menéndez in the 71st minute. The scorer went with his leg up to dispute a ball against Torren and ended up earning the second yellow card, undisputed by the way.
Argentinos only got the discount at 95 with a header from David Salazar, but what Atlético did in the first half was more than enough for the Dean (38 points) to leave Buenos Aires victorious, with the top of the League under the arm at least until he plays Gymnastics (36; faces Central Córdoba this Tuesday from 8:30 p.m.). For their part, Argentinos (30) were far from the fight for the title, but they are settled in Copa Sudamericana 2023 positions.
Defense surprised Students
Under the interim management of Nicolás Diez after the departure of Sebastián Beccacece and pending Julián Vaccari (ex-Vélez), Defensa y Justicia surprised in La Plata by beating Estudiantes 2-1.
The first joy for the team led by the skillful former Racing player came after a rude mistake by Mariano Andújar at 23 minutes. The historic punctured goalkeeper dominated a corner and wanted to take it out quickly, but he delivered it directly to a rival. With Halcón in attack position and Estudiantes still coming out of the back, the ball was left to Adonis Frías who took the shot from the door of the area and made it 1-0 to the local one’s lament.
In the second part the local went to sleep again, this time in an exit in the midfield. Tomás Galván anticipated Franco Zapiola, opened with Gastón Togni who took the center and Andrés Ríos sent it to save with a header at 56.
Students (27 points) threatened to ruin the night for Defense (25) when the endless Mauro Boselli flew high and turned the La Plata discount upside down in the 61st minute. But the Pincha could not get the second despite the fact that the Halcón played with 10 after the expulsion of Ríos at 66. In any case, both casts remain in positions of Sudamericana 2023.
