The Primera E of CABA opened its season with a fixture that confirmed what local football already suspected: when two teams understand their limitations, the result is paralysis. Atlético San Telmo Sur and Club La Boca FC met at the home side's ground on a day when both took more care than they sought to attack, ending in a 0-0 that left spectators with the feeling they'd watched a game of chess played on a grass pitch.
The 4-4-2 shape from the San Telmo Sur side worked like a wall, especially in defence where youngster Tomás Núñez, only seventeen, showed the solidity he promises. The centre-half from Merlo gave nothing away in the area and stood his ground whenever needed. Up front, Alejandro Almada had a few chances but without any clarity in front of goal. At right-back, Tomás Messi tried to create down the flank with his trademark comfort on either foot, though he too failed to find the precise link with his team-mates. Club La Boca FC, with a similar tactical set-up, also prioritised containment. Mario Russo and his experience at twenty-six kept things coherent at the back while Roberto Quiroga, the visiting left-back of only eighteen, committed a foul that earned him a yellow card. Cristian Caruso, the Brazilian right-back aged 27, did his job without any spotlight.
The balance was so perfect that it became dull. Both teams posted ratings close to 7.0, which translates into sides that are close together, with no abyss between them. The match lacked tactical aggression, that search for a breakthrough which characterises good football. It was a draw without heroics, without moments of greatness, simply two Argentine teams choosing to keep things level as the most sensible outcome on the opening matchday.
In the last 2 meetings between Atlético San Telmo Sur and Benja fc: 0 wins for Atlético San Telmo Sur, 1 draw and 1 for Benja fc.
Atlético San Telmo Sur (4-4-2): Walter Castro, Gerónimo Ramos, Tomás Núñez, Leonardo Lombardi, Tomás Messi, Emiliano Russo, Rodrigo Messi, Facundo Bianchi, Pablo Bastianelli, Alejandro Almada, Pipa Otamendi.
Benja fc (4-4-2): Pablo Marchetti, Pablo Molina, Nicolás Vázquez, Mario Russo, Cristian Caruso, Roberto Quiroga, Valentín Gómez, Tomás Zubeldía, Gabriel Ruiz, Julián López, Leonardo Ruiz.
In Primera E - CABA, Atlético San Telmo Sur are in position 6 with 47 points; Benja fc are in position 9 with 37 points. See the full table
Atlético San Telmo Sur ("Los trabajadores"), founded in 1923, from the San Telmo neighbourhood, with 983 fans. Home ground: Estadio S. Telmo S.
Benja fc, founded in 1952, from the Villa Crespo neighbourhood, with 1,325 fans. Home ground: Estadio La Boca FC.
Next match for Atlético San Telmo Sur: vs su proximo rival — Saturday 31 October at 13:45 GMT
Next match for Benja fc: vs su proximo rival — Saturday 31 October at 13:30 GMT
This match was played by two real managers on ELDT, the free online football manager game. Take your own club from the bottom all the way to the top flight.