Estudiantes de La Plata staged a remarkable comeback on February 21, 2025, defeating Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero 3-2 at Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi. This victory not only allowed Estudiantes to secure the top position of Group A during the Torneo Apertura, but also maintained their unbeaten home record this season.
The match began with Central Córdoba, the visitors, taking control from the outset. They opened the scoring right before halftime when Matías Perelló capitalized on a swift counter-attack, placing the ball perfectly past Estudiantes goalkeeper Matías Mansilla. Just minutes later, Central Córdoba struck again, with Leonardo Heredia extending their lead to 2-0, seemingly putting Estudiantes on the back foot.
At the halfway mark, it looked as though Central Córdoba would leave with all three points, leaving Estudiantes fans concerned about their team’s prospects. "Central Córdoba ganaba por 2-0, pero Estudiantes reaccionó y quedó puntero de la Zona A!" reported Santa Fe Deportivo, highlighting the gravity of Estudiantes' challenge.
Coming out for the second half, Estudiantes showed remarkable resilience. Eduardo Domínguez, their coach, implored his team to push forward, and boy did they deliver. Just six minutes after the restart, Luciano Giménez scored the first goal for the home team, connecting with a pinpoint cross from Eric Meza and heading the ball past Alan Aguerre, Central Córdoba’s keeper. The atmosphere shifted, and fans began to believe once again.
Emboldened by the goal, Estudiantes pushed forward, forcing Central Córdoba onto the defensive. The turning point came just two minutes later when Joaquín Tobio Burgos expertly curled a free-kick from outside the box, leaving Aguerre no chance as the ball hit the top corner of the net, equalizing the match at 2-2. "A los 39 minutos, Luis Angulo probó de zurda y la pelota se estrelló en el poste," stated Infobae, reminiscing about the close call earlier, but now the tides had certainly turned.
With the score now level, the game entered its final stages. The home crowd was electric, sensing the potential for more history. Just as hope filled the air, Santiago Arzamendia completed the comeback, decisively heading home another corner kick delivered by Tobio Burgos. This final goal, scored with minutes to spare, transformed the atmosphere from tense anticipation to jubilant celebration, as Estudiantes secured their comeback win, 3-2.
The victory not only solidified Estudiantes' top position with 15 points but also showcased their fighting spirit and tactical flexibility. Fans were delighted not just by the result, but by the performance of Cristian Medina, who made his first start for the team after his anticipated arrival. Favio Orsi's Central Córdoba, on the other hand, would be left to ponder how they let such a lead slip away.
Looking forward, Estudiantes will face River Plate next, with the challenge of maintaining their momentum against another formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Central Córdoba prepares to host Deportivo Riestra, needing to regain their early form to stay competitive within the group.
The heartfelt camaraderie and rivalry will undoubtedly continue as both teams vie for supremacy. With this thrilling 3-2 win over Central Córdoba, Estudiantes delivered not just three points, but also hope and excitement to their supporters for the season to come.