San Lorenzo de Almagro has made a remarkable statement in the 2025 Torneo Apertura by defeating Tigre 2-1 in a thrilling match that saw them qualify for the quarter-finals. The game, held at the Nuevo Gasómetro, was marked by intense drama, especially as San Lorenzo played nearly the entire match with only ten players following an early red card.
The Ciclón struck first in the 4th minute when Malcom Braida launched a swift counter-attack. After a defensive mishap from Tigre, Braida set up Ezequiel Cerutti, who deftly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper Felipe Zenobio to find Andrés Vombergar, who simply had to push it into the net for his eighth goal of the tournament, solidifying his position as the team's top scorer.
However, the joy was short-lived for San Lorenzo as Elián Irala was sent off just 12 minutes into the match. Irala, caught in a moment of miscommunication with Nicolás Tripichio, was deemed the last man and received a straight red card from referee Yael Falcón Pérez. This forced San Lorenzo to adopt a more defensive strategy, allowing Tigre to dominate possession.
Despite being a man down, San Lorenzo held their ground. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as a hero, making crucial saves, including a brilliant stop against Ignacio Russo in the 20th minute and another vital deflection of a free kick from Diego Sosa just before halftime.
The second half saw Tigre equalize when Héctor Fértoli found the net early on, taking advantage of a lapse in San Lorenzo's defense. The match became increasingly tense as both teams fought for control, with Tigre holding the majority of possession but failing to capitalize on their opportunities.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed the match might end in a draw, potentially heading to penalties. However, in a dramatic twist, Alexis Cuello emerged as the hero for San Lorenzo. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Cuello seized on a mistake by Nehuén Paz, who lost possession, allowing Cuello to race through on goal. With composure, he slotted the ball past Zenobio, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Post-match, coach Miguel Ángel Russo expressed his emotions, stating, "I'm hoarse and have a terrible cold, ha. Now to rest. We're happy for the players and the fans. I believe the end was something San Lorenzo hasn't experienced in a long time, and it's great that this is happening." Russo credited his players for understanding the situation they were in and emphasized the collective effort it took to reach this stage.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the match, he remarked, "It's not normal to play with ten from the 12th minute. This is for learning; fortunately, the boys adjusted quickly. The goal at the end marks a lot of things. It wasn't by chance: we were mentally prepared to win."
Regarding the institutional issues surrounding the club, Russo stated, "We had to get past all the club matters by talking among ourselves. Now the club has to do what it needs to do, and we'll do our part as it should be. Hopefully, all this will be resolved and repaired."
San Lorenzo's victory not only secures their place in the quarter-finals but also highlights their resilience amid adversity. They will now face the winner of the upcoming match between Argentinos Juniors and Instituto de Córdoba, scheduled for May 11, 2025. Depending on the outcome, San Lorenzo could either travel to La Paternal or host Instituto at the Nuevo Gasómetro.
As the tournament progresses, San Lorenzo's fans have much to look forward to, especially with the team's current form and the determination displayed by both players and coaching staff. With the next match on the horizon, anticipation builds as they aim for further success in the Torneo Apertura.
