Estudiantes and Argentinos Juniors concluded their years with a dramatic 2-2 draw during the last match of the Liga Profesional 2024 on December 13. The encounter, held at Estadio El Tierra de Campeones, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they exchanged leads.
The match kicked off with intensity when Argentinos Juniors took the lead just six minutes in. Thiago Santamaría scored the first goal, redirecting the ball from Santiago Rodríguez's corner. The assist became somewhat of an accident, as Ascacíbar attempted to clear the ball but only helped it find the net. The early score seemed to ignite Estudiantes, who quickly sought to respond.
Just minutes later, Estudiantes equalized at around 11 minutes when Santiago Ascacíbar redeemed himself from the earlier mishap. Following a deflected shot from Santiago Arzamendia, goalkeeper Diego Rodríguez failed to secure the ball, allowing Ascacíbar to pounce on the rebound and bring the score to 1-1.
After the frantic first half, both teams momentarily settled until Jonathan Galván restored Argentinos Juniors' lead just three minutes after the break. Galván cleverly seized on some disorganized defending by Estudiantes, taking advantage of the chaos within the box to score the second goal of the match. His strike put Argentinos back on top, 2-1.
Despite falling behind again, Estudiantes refused to surrender. The team made tactical changes, injecting vigor and energy. One of the substitutes, Tiago Palacios, emerged as the standout player. His exceptional footwork and determination paid off when, at the 25-minute mark of the second half, he scored the equalizer. Palacios received the ball just inside the midfield, executed quick maneuvers to evade two defenders, and then delivered a stunning shot to the bottom corner of the net, making it 2-2.
The energetic second half continued with both teams battling fiercely for the win. Each side had chances to clinch the game. For Estudiantes, Palacios continued to threaten with danger, as he rattled off two shots on goal, showcasing his talent and flair. Meanwhile, Argentinos Juniors pressed forward, hoping to capitalize on any defensive miscue.
Throughout the match, both teams displayed their strengths and weaknesses. Estudiantes’ defense appeared vulnerable, struggling to maintain composure under pressure. Meanwhile, the visiting side, Argentinos, struggled to maintain their earlier leads, which left their coach Norberto Batista frustrated.
Notably, the match was officiated by Pablo Echavarría, who managed to keep the players' tempers somewhat tamed, even as the stakes rose. The officials faced several challenges, particularly with the pace and aggression of the match.
Both teams had their own formational strategies. Estudiantes lined up with a 4-5-1 formation which allowed them to dominate the midfield, whereas Argentinos opted for a more defensive 5-3-2 setup to counter their opponents' attacks. Each team made numerous substitutions to adapt their tactics as the match progressed.
Despite the disappointment of not claiming victory, Estudiantes ended the year with tangible positives, locking down their position midway up the league table, ending with 36 points, whereas Argentinos Juniors found themselves lower down, finishing with 30 points.
Post-match analysis reflected on Estudiantes' performance over the Liga Profesional season, noting considerable inconsistency and areas for improvement as they prepare for the Trofeo de Campeones. The fight-off and fanfare from their supporters reverberated through the stadium, marking another challenging year for both teams.
With the Liga Profesional behind them, Estudiantes and Argentinos Juniors will now shift focus to their respective future challenges as they look to build on this season’s lessons for the next one. The exciting match was not just a farewell to 2024 but also laid the groundwork for upcoming battles on the pitch.
