Santos Strikes Late to Secure Victory for Central Cordoba Against Union

Central Cordoba de Santiago edged Union Santa Fe 1-0 at the Estadio Unico Madre De Ciudades in a tightly contested Liga Profesional Argentina encounter that remained goalless until the 76th minute.

The hosts climbed to within striking distance of second-placed Union Santa Fe with a crucial three points that highlighted their recent upturn in form. Central Cordoba’s victory extended their unbeaten run to three matches, whilst Union suffered their second defeat in five outings.

The match statistics reflected an evenly balanced affair, with both sides registering identical possession figures of 50% and near-identical passing accuracy at 81%. Union marginally outshot their hosts 10-7, but Central Cordoba proved more clinical when it mattered, converting one of their five shots from inside the box.

The breakthrough arrived when Matias Santos found the net with a quarter-hour remaining, capitalising on what proved to be Central Cordoba’s second shot on target from just two attempts. Union’s profligacy in front of goal ultimately cost them, managing only one effort that tested the goalkeeper despite their superior shot count.

The decisive moment came after a flurry of substitutions on both sides. Central Cordoba manager had introduced Delfino Barrera and Lucas Varaldo six minutes into the second half, whilst Union responded with a triple change in the 72nd minute, bringing on Maximo Del Blanco, Valentin Fascendini, and Jeronimo Palacios.

The visitors’ frustration showed as the match wore on, with Lucas Vargas and Mauro Pitton both cautioned for Union, whilst Central Cordoba’s Antonio Maciel also received a yellow card in a fractious encounter overseen by referee Andres Merlos.

Both teams employed matching 4-4-2 formations in what proved a tactical stalemate until Santos’ intervention. The result sees Central Cordoba maintain their position in fourth place whilst closing the gap on Union, who remain second but now just two points clear of their hosts.