Club Ramos Mejía took a deserved win on the opening matchday of Primera E, GBA Oeste, against Villa Tesei in a match where both sides deployed similar systems but produced different results. The home side won 2-1 in a tight contest that reflected the tactical balance of two 4-4-2 formations, although the difference lay in the forwards' finishing when the chances came.
Carlos Russo was Merlo's executioner: the 23-year-old striker scored twice to seal the match, showing a finishing touch that his 8.4 rating more than justified. Russo, who grew up among the streets of Merlo, had a brilliant afternoon against a Villa Tesei side that could not contain him consistently.
The visitors arrived with Juan Domínguez, a 26-year-old forward in the best form of his career, who pulled one back and was the most reliable attacking outlet for his manager's side. With a rating of 7.2, Domínguez fulfilled his role as an attacking pivot, although he could not prevent Ramos Mejía from dominating the closing stages of the match. Walter Bianchi, the Brazilian aged just 19 who strengthens the home side, was decisive in the build-up: his assist allowed Russo to finish with precision for one of his two goals. The young Porto Alegre forward, with a 6.5 rating, showed mobility and tactical awareness from the outset.
At the back, both Tiziano Sosa in the home goal and Cristian Suárez in the visitors' defence played solidly enough. Sosa, Merlo's goalkeeper, around 23 years old with a 7.7 rating, made assured interventions when needed. Suárez, a 20-year-old centre-back still in development, showed solidity despite the defeat and also contributed in attack with an assist that underlined the visiting back line's involvement in offensive moves. A perfect debut for Ramos Mejía, who begin with three points in the bag.
In the last 2 meetings between Club Entusiasmo and Club Villa Tesei: 2 wins for Club Entusiasmo, 0 draws and 0 for Club Villa Tesei.
Club Entusiasmo (4-4-2): Tiziano Sosa, Emiliano Riva, Lautaro Dybala, Manuel Dybala, Tiziano Sánchez, Diego Mascherano, Carlos Russo, Pepe Cabrera, Valentín Riva, Walter Bianchi, Ángel Almada.
Club Villa Tesei (4-4-2): Ezequiel Castro, Martín Herrera, Cristian Suárez, Enzo Bruno, Cristian Garnacho, Hugo Conti, Joaquín Núñez, Ignacio Etcheverry, Cristian Rodríguez, Juan Domínguez, Juan García.
In Primera E - GBA Oeste, Club Entusiasmo are in position 9 with 37 points; Club Villa Tesei are in position 14 with 29 points. See the full table
Club Entusiasmo, founded in 1923, from the Ciudadela neighbourhood, with 1,141 fans. Home ground: Estadio Casi.
Club Villa Tesei, founded in 1967, from the Villa Tesei neighbourhood, with 993 fans. Home ground: Estadio V. Tesei.
Next match for Club Entusiasmo: vs su proximo rival — Saturday 31 October at 13:30 GMT
Next match for Club Villa Tesei: vs su proximo rival — Saturday 31 October at 13:00 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.