On March 17, 2025, Unión de Santa Fe faced off against Banfield at the Estadio 15 de Abril, marking the 10th matchday of the Torneo Apertura. The match had significant consequences for both teams, both desperately needing points to avoid relegation worries. The stakes were high as Unión, rooted at the bottom of the table, aimed for victory to break out of their slump.
The match kicked off at 19:00 local time and was officiated by referee Darío Herrera. Right from the start, Unión showed intent, with Ezequiel Ham netting the opening goal just before halftime at 45'+2, perfectly placing his shot to send the home fans cheering.
Unión had not won since their Copa Argentina match, where they triumphed 3-1 over Colegiales. Having endured only one victory out of nine games, they were determined to revive their season under the guidance of head coach Cristian González. The pressure to deliver was palpable, especially after their recent loss to Independiente Rivadavia (2-0) raised doubts about González's future.
After the break, the situation evolved, and Banfield equalized with Tomás Adoryan scoring at 49 minutes, much to the visitors' relief. Adoryan’s well-placed header followed great work by his teammates, reigniting hopes for Banfield, who had also been struggling with six consecutive losses before this encounter.
Banfield started the season promisingly, with two wins to kick off their campaign but had since faltered, gaining just two points from their last seven matches. They sat perilously close to the relegation zone, which called for urgent action from their coach Ariel Broggi.
The crowd witnessed end-to-end action, with both teams creating chances. Unión's players attempted to assert dominance with quick counters, showcasing their attacking potential. Players like Marcelo Estigarribia and Lionel Verde were instrumental, providing the necessary thrust for their side.
Despite Unión's early advantage, the match continued to see equal measures of pressure. Dario Herrera, the referee, dealt with various fouls and cautioned several players, including Adoryan and Corvalán, each receiving yellow cards.
Banfield nearly claimed victory later in the match if not for Unión's resilient defense, led by the likes of Franco Pardo and Lautaro Vargas, who worked tirelessly to maintain their footing as the clock ticked on. Banfield managed multiple corners and pushed high, attempting to capitalize on every opportunity.
At the end of 90 minutes, the match concluded at 1-1, leaving both teams with hard-fought yet insufficient points.
With this draw, Unión remained firmly at the bottom of their group, sharing the last place with Aldosivi. The performance did, at least, provide them with some hope—a crack at rebuilding momentum moving forward.
For Banfield, the psychological relief of ending their losing streak may be pivotal as they hope to climb the standings and recover the form displayed at the start of the tournament. This match illustrated not only the need for both teams to adapt swiftly to their challenges but also set the stage for more exciting encounters as the league progressed.
Up next, Unión will hope to secure their first win at home against other struggling teams, bolstered by the belief they can turn tides. Banfield will seek improvements, focusing on tightening their defense and rediscovering the attacking flair they showcased at the beginning of the season. While points were split this time, the competitive nature of domestic football promises many more thrilling matchups.
Only time will tell whether this draw serves as the foundation for recovery for either team, as they both race to achieve their respective goals for the remainder of the Torneo Apertura.
