Patriotas Almagro0 - 2Unión Balvanera

Unión Balvanera came away with a comfortable victory from Patriotas Almagro’s pitch, winning 2-0 in a result that reflected the difference between two teams who wanted the same thing but did not have the same resources. Both set-ups were balanced, both opted for a 4-4-2, but only one had enough clarity to turn that into goals. The hosts tried to compete but lacked precision when it mattered; the visitors, by contrast, showed the experience of a team more accustomed to this type of match.

Jorge Bardi was decisive in Unión Balvanera’s system. The 32-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder, carrying the experience he has built up over almost a decade in Argentina, orchestrated the attacking moves with a clarity Patriotas could not counter. Alongside him, Lucio Halim on the right and Thiago Trento in central midfield (who was booked) formed a screening triangle that smothered the hosts’ attempts. Román Vicente, the young forward aged just nineteen, was lethal when the ball reached him; he scored one of the goals with the certainty of someone who knows where the goal is. Sebastián Quiroga in the hosts’ defence did what he could, but was booked in a match where Patriotas were left exposed. Mario Azpiroz, the young midfielder, tried to contribute defensively but the effort was insufficient. Yoel Baldelli up front received no effective support with which to trouble Tincho Montoya, Unión’s veteran goalkeeper, who did not need to perform any major acrobatics.

For Patriotas Almagro, this home defeat hurts more than usual. It was not a poor tactical performance but an issue of execution: they lacked that attacking extra that decides even contests. Unión Balvanera leave with three points that strengthen their position in Primera I GBA Oeste, while the hosts will have to rethink how to turn an equal contest into results.

In the last meeting between Patriotas Almagro and Unión Balvanera: 0 wins for Patriotas Almagro, 0 draws and 1 for Unión Balvanera.

• Unión Balvanera 4-0 Patriotas Almagro

Full Patriotas Almagro vs Unión Balvanera head-to-head →

Patriotas Almagro (4-4-2): Raúl Tamargo, Christian Bandini, Sebastian Quiroga, Valentino Hidalgo, Rodrigo Guerrero, Toño Baroli, Aaron Valentini, Mario Azpiroz, Horacio Galván, Yoel Baldelli, Elías Villegas.

Unión Balvanera (4-4-2): Tincho Montoya, Yamil Vega, Bautista Boni, Axel Calabrese, Beto Chaile, Vito Bellucci, Thiago Trento, Jorge Bardi, Lucio Halim, Román Vicente, Iñaki Saracho.

In Primera I - GBA Oeste, Patriotas Almagro are in position 7 with 43 points; Unión Balvanera are in position 1 with 59 points. See the full table

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• Aurora de Villa Devoto 4-1 Atlético Palermo Hollywood FC
• General Pueyrredón de Constitución 1-1 Vet. Saavedra
• N. Estrella Floresta 3-0 Central de Belgrano R El Barrio

Patriotas Almagro, with 1,601 fans. Home ground: Estadio Patriotas Almagro.

Unión Balvanera, with 1,810 fans. Home ground: Estadio Unión Balvanera.

Next match for Patriotas Almagro: vs su proximo rival — Sunday 1 November at 00:45 GMT

Next match for Unión Balvanera: vs su proximo rival — Sunday 1 November at 00:30 GMT