Lanús and Vélez faced off on February 21, 2025, at La Fortaleza, both teams desperate for success yet ending the match without any goals.
The contest marked another disappointing chapter for Vélez, who remains rooted at the bottom of the Torneo Apertura standings, still searching for their first victory. Meanwhile, Lanús, under the management of Mauricio Pellegrino, was aiming to secure points to improve their standing, presently sitting ninth with seven points from six matches.
Both teams came off recent losses, with Lanús barely scraping by with two victories against three defeats. Their latest outing saw them defeated by River Plate at the Estadio Monumental, leaving them anxious to bounce back. Meanwhile, Vélez's situation was dire, still seeking to break their duck after suffering five losses and one draw, failing to score even once.
Statistics leading up to the match favored Lanús slightly, who had been predicted to win with around 60 percent probability compared to Vélez’s considerably lower chances. The stakes were high as Vélez needed points to escape the relegation zone.
Kickoff saw action almost immediately, with the referee brandishing yellow cards as early as the first minute, showing the intensity both teams brought to the field. Lanús embodied this urgency early on, initiating several promising attacks. Walter Bou almost broke the deadlock but could not find the target.
Lanús had the clearest chances early, with Ramiro Carrera forcing Vélez’s goalkeeper, Tomás Marchiori, to make significant saves. Despite Lanús's efforts, the first half ended without goals, reflecting both teams' inability to seize opportunities.
The second half began with moderate changes but retained the essence of the first; Lanús maintained offensive pressure without success, continually testing Marchiori with free kicks and headers. The atmosphere grew tense, particularly as fans expressed their anxieties with the game progressing scoreless.
Marcelino Moreno was especially active, pushing for the breakthrough, but every effort seemed thwarted by Marchiori, whose performance was pivotal for Vélez's defense. The frustration mounted as Lanús struggled to convert their chances.
Matters grew tenser when Lanús’s Agustín Cardozo received his second yellow card, leaving his team with ten players. Surprisingly, instead of capitalizing on this advantage, Vélez failed to muster any significant offense. This match absence marked 769 minutes without any goals for the team, drawing parallels with historical figures for futility.
After the final whistle, Vélez still found themselves without wins or goals this season, and their coach Domínguez faced increasing scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, Lanús managed to retain their position but were left contemplating missed opportunities rather than celebrating any substantial progress.
The atmosphere at La Fortaleza hinted at discontent, with many calling for improved performances as both squads eyed future fixtures anxiously. With the next matches looming, the significance of this result goes beyond just points, affecting team morale and fan expectations.
Reflecting on the match, Tomás Marchiori summarized the group’s outlook, stating, "AL CUERPO TÉCNICO LO VEMOS MUY BIEN, ESTAMOS CON MUCHAS GANAS," emphasizing their commitment to improve. With no clear signs of turnaround, both Lanús and Vélez must address their shortcomings straightforwardly if they hope to achieve their season aspirations.