Almagro took a victory that they knew how to manage in the moments that counted, beating Juventud Abasto 2-1 at home on the pitch at Flores. It was a closely fought match where both teams came out with a clear intention to play, both in 4-4-2, looking for balance but without giving up the chase for goal. The home side had more of the ball in the areas that mattered and knew how to take advantage when the ball became an opportunity. Juventud Abasto did not give in, but the hosts managed their lead better in the decisive stretches.
Dante Wolf was the match's standout performer for Almagro. The 29-year-old central midfielder, in the best form of his footballing life, scored two goals that decided the result. With a rating of 8.1, Wolf worked as the team's central cog, winning back possession, distributing play and, when needed, getting into the opposition box. His Mendoza experience showed in his reading of the game, in that ability to be where he needed to be when things got tricky. He was booked late on, perhaps for some complaint or contact the referee deemed excessive, but his contribution was immense in the win.
Juventud Abasto found their goal through Galo Andueza, the 28-year-old Bahía Blanca striker who scored once during the match. Andueza put in a solid showing at number 9, with constant movement, although he never managed to bring that level of danger that might have made things more difficult for the Albiceleste back line. He also received a yellow card during the match. Almagro controlled the tempo better, with Mauricio Altuna holding things together from central defence, a defender who reads the game before it happens, the sort who positions himself properly without needing too many sprints.
At the back, Yair Jiménez did well at 16 years old at right-back, which says a lot about Almagro's faith in youth. It was not a dazzling display, but neither was he exposed. Galo Cadel on the left flank, also 23, was solid in his work. Ramón Spadafora completed the home midfield, a versatile midfielder who contributed both defensively and going forward in that area.
Almagro's win was a fair one in the context of a tight match where there were no huge differences. Juventud Abasto came to play, but the hosts found more precision at the key moments and that was the difference. It is the logic of zonal league football: the side that makes the most of its chances takes the points. Almagro picked up three on matchday 20 of Primera L, GBA Oeste, keeping their battle in the section alive.
Almagro came in with 1 win, 1 draw and 3 defeats in their last 5 matches.
Juventud Abasto came in with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 5 matches.
In the last 2 meetings between Almagro and Juventud Abasto: 1 win for Almagro, 0 draws and 1 for Juventud Abasto.
Almagro (4-4-2): Andrés Astudillo, Galo Cadel, Mauricio Altuna, Yoel Carrasco, Yair Jiménez, Adrián Palomeque, Dante Wolf, Ramon Spadafora, Nahuel Mora, Walter Botti, Turco Greenberg.
Juventud Abasto (4-4-2): Leandro Tassone, Seba Zella, Tobías Conti, Ivo Caro, Axel Arichabaleta, Emiliano Arestizabal, Yamil Valdez, Cesar Biscardi, Fabián Gallo, Leonardo Arnaldi, Galo Andueza.
In Primera L - GBA Oeste, Almagro are in position 8 with 42 points; Juventud Abasto are in position 2 with 53 points. See the full table
Almagro, with 1,687 fans. Home ground: Estadio Almagro.
Juventud Abasto, with 1,756 fans. Home ground: Estadio Juventud Abasto.
Next match for Almagro: vs su proximo rival — Sunday 1 November at 01:00 GMT
Next match for Juventud Abasto: vs su proximo rival — Sunday 1 November at 01:00 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.