In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Talleres Córdoba faced Vélez Sarsfield on April 18, 2025, in the Primera Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) Torneo Apertura. The match kicked off at 19:15 local time, with Bryan Ferreyra officiating the game. Both teams came into this fixture with varying expectations and performances in the league, making this clash a pivotal moment in their campaigns.
Talleres Córdoba, currently positioned ninth in the league standings, was looking to capitalize on home advantage after a recent draw against River Plate. In their last four matches, they achieved one victory and three draws, scoring four goals while conceding just two. Coach Walter Ribonetto aimed to harness the support of the home crowd to secure crucial points and maintain their hopes for a playoff spot.
On the other hand, Vélez Sarsfield, who finished the previous season as the league leaders, entered the match with a mixed bag of results, including a disappointing 0-1 loss to Sarmiento in their last outing. Despite their recent inconsistency, coach Gustavo Quinteros was determined to steer his side back on track, aiming for a strong performance in Córdoba.
The historical context of the rivalry added an extra layer of intensity to the game. Over the years, Talleres and Vélez have met 60 times in top-flight competitions, with Vélez winning 23 matches, Talleres securing 19 victories, and 18 matches ending in draws. The last meeting on July 21, 2024, saw Vélez triumph 3-0 at the Estadio José Amalfitani, further fueling Talleres' desire for revenge.
As the teams lined up, Talleres opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Guido Herrera in goal, with Gastón Benavídez, Juan Gabriel Rodríguez, Miguel Navarro, and Blás Riveros in defense. The midfield comprised Camilo Portilla, Ulises Ortegoza, Emanuel Reynoso, Valentín Depietri, and Matías Galarza, while Federico Girotti led the attack. This setup aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions to exploit any gaps in Vélez’s defense.
Vélez also fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tomás Marchiori in goal, supported by defenders Joaquín García, Emanuel Mammana, Valentín Gómez, and Elías Gómez. The midfield trio of Christian Ordóñez, Jalil Elías, and Francisco Pizzini aimed to control the tempo of the game, while Claudio Aquino and Matías Pellegrini provided width and creativity. Braian Romero, the team's top scorer with four goals in the season, was the focal point of their attacking efforts.
As the match unfolded, both teams displayed a cautious approach, with neither side willing to concede an early goal. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as approximately 50,000 fans filled the stands, creating a vibrant backdrop for the clash. The weather was favorable, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C, ensuring a perfect setting for football.
In the early exchanges, Talleres looked to assert themselves, utilizing their home advantage to push forward. Federico Girotti was particularly active, seeking to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Vélez. However, the visitors responded with their own attacking flair, with Braian Romero testing Herrera in goal with a couple of early attempts.
The first half saw several near misses from both sides, with Talleres coming close when Galarza’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected just wide. Vélez, too, threatened with a powerful header from Mammana that went over the bar. As the half progressed, it became clear that both defenses were holding firm, making it difficult for either team to find the breakthrough.
As the second half commenced, both coaches made tactical adjustments in hopes of breaking the deadlock. Talleres introduced fresh legs in the midfield, aiming to increase their attacking threat. Meanwhile, Vélez sought to exploit the flanks more effectively, pushing Pizzini and Aquino further up the pitch.
With the match reaching its final stages, the tension escalated. Fans from both sides roared with every attack, creating an electrifying atmosphere. As the clock ticked down, Talleres found a rhythm, pushing for a late goal that could secure them the much-needed victory.
In the closing minutes, a moment of brilliance from Girotti almost turned the tide. He danced through the Vélez defense, but his shot was well saved by Marchiori, who was proving to be a key player for the visitors. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams having their chances, but neither could find the back of the net.
As the final whistle blew, the match concluded in a stalemate, with both Talleres and Vélez sharing the spoils. The result left Talleres with 14 points in the standings, while Vélez remained in the hunt for the top positions, needing to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, Talleres will face Platense on April 29, 2025, while Vélez prepares to host Gimnasia on April 28, 2025. Both teams will need to capitalize on their upcoming matches to maintain momentum in the league.
This match not only highlighted the fierce rivalry between the two clubs but also the competitive nature of the Primera LPF, where every point counts as teams vie for playoff positions. As the season progresses, both Talleres and Vélez will aim to solidify their standings and push for a place in the postseason.
