Gimnasia La Plata's miserable season concluded with yet another disappointing loss, this time marked by the record-setting early goal against them. On December 16, 2024, fans saw their team not just fall short once again, but also bear witness to the fastest own goal recorded in the history of the Liga Profesional, setting the stage for yet more disappointment.
The match, held at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López, kicked off disastrously for Gimnasia. Mateo Pellegrino, playing for Platense, scored just 10 seconds after the opening whistle, taking full advantage of defensive turmoil and a mishap by goalkeeper Marcos Ledesma. "Gimnasia didn't even have time to settle in, going behind just seconds.into the match," the match report recounted, showcasing just how unprepared the team was for this pivotal moment.
This early setback, later deemed the fastest goal allowed by any team this season, sent shockwaves through the struggling La Plata side. Fans likely felt the sting of the early goal reverberate as their hopes for redemption shrank even quicker than the time Pellegrino took to score. It was just another frustrating chapter for Gimnasia, adding to the overall lack of cohesion they have showcased throughout the season.
Yet, it wasn’t just the goal itself but what followed it. Gimnasia displayed no offensive worth, managing not even one single shot on target across the entire match. Rather, they looked like mere shadow of even their past efforts this year—despite some attempts, it was clear their arsenal was empty. The match report lamented, "The performance we witnessed yesterday offered no basis for a fresh start in 2025."
There were isolated moments of potential, of course. Manuel Panaro's solitary attempts on the left managed to draw some attention from Platense's defenders, but they were fleeting and never matured. Aside from these rare sparks, the game devolved by the half-time mark. With nothing to show for their exertions, there were cries for changes as they desperately looked for anything to turn the game around.
Gimnasia coach Marcelo Méndez made two substitutions at half-time, shifting personnel to add some attacking heft, but the intention was lost on the pitch. Just like the first 45 minutes, they failed to capitalize on any chances—both teams entered the second half often floundering. Platense seemed almost comfortable taking their foot off the gas, allowing the Lobo another breath. Yet any hopes for the comeback quickly diminished as creativity and clear ideas slipped away.
The lack of pace and urgency became painfully clear as time wore on, causing frustration among fans and players alike. "The game ended with a corner in favor of Gimnasia, but it brought nothing to the side," the report indicated poignantly, summarizing the entire disheartening experience of the match. Through four forwards who struggled to make connections with one another and consistently fell short, it was as if the lifeblood of the team had run dry.
Finally, as the match concluded, so too did the dreadful year for Gimnasia La Plata. This latest defeat—conceding the record fast goal and showcasing their offensive impotence—further solidified the urgency for change. The fans, surely exclaiming, "Finally!" at the year’s end, could only wonder what drastic reforms would be needed to steer the club away from such dismal results. With the close of 2024, all eyes are on Gimnasia as they must chart their course for renewal come 2025.
