Invasor Zim FC
2 - 1
Villa Tachito
811 fans in the stadium · gate receipts: $1,047,500
Match report
Sportivo Bernal overcame Club Berazategui by 2-1 in a result that reflected the tactical balance of both sides, but also the home side's ability to make their chances count at the right moment. At the Bernal stadium, the hosts lined up in a 4-4-2 formation that allowed them to keep control of the match without exposing their back line too much, while the visitors arrived with the same shape, looking to exploit any spaces the opposition midfield might leave.
The home defence, led by Lisandro Villalba, put in a solid performance. The 34-year-old Argentine centre-back, that veteran who grew up in Comodoro Rivadavia with the philosophy of never backing down on what matters, was the cornerstone of Bernal's resistance. His experience was decisive in neutralising Berazategui's attacking efforts, though at times of greater visitor pressure he had to stay alert. On the left, Iván Iturriaga carried out an important holding role, while Ariel Torres, the 25-year-old Paraguayan midfielder with well-honed technical ability, was the constant link between defence and attack.
Alejandro Mascherano's goal, the 26-year-old holding midfielder who learnt the craft of keeping things in their place in Merlo, came at a point when Bernal had generated enough pressure. His strike was the reflection of good ball circulation in midfield, where the hosts were winning back possession and starting dangerous moves repeatedly. Bernal's second goal of the night was scored by Mario Foyth, the 18-year-old striker who arrived at the club almost by chance after being spotted in a friendly in La Plata. His finish kept Bernal ahead when the opposition were beginning to cause concern.
Club Berazategui did not give in and pulled one back through Valentín Acosta, the 16-year-old youngster born in Comodoro Rivadavia who has football in his genes, in a place where wind and adversity forge footballers. His goal set up a tense finale, creating doubts in the home defence and forcing Bernal to defend with greater precision. The visitors pushed for the equaliser, but the hosts knew how to manage the result.
The match ended up being exactly what the theory suggested: two evenly matched sides who faced each other without renouncing their principles. Bernal won because they were more effective at the decisive moments, because experienced players like Villalba and the younger ones like Foyth found the way to the opposition goal. A fair win for the hosts that keeps them at the summit of their ambitions in Primera E of GBA Sur.
Form guide
Invasor Zim FC came in with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their last 5 matches.
Villa Tachito came in with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their last 5 matches.
Head-to-head
In the last meeting between Invasor Zim FC and Villa Tachito: 0 wins for Invasor Zim FC, 1 draw and 0 for Villa Tachito.
Line-ups
Invasor Zim FC (4-4-2): Hernán Bevilacqua, Iván Iturriaga, Lisandro Villalba, Esteban Conti, Daniel Messi, Bruno Ríos, Toto Echeverría, Alejandro Mascherano, Ariel Torres, Beto Etcheverry, Mario Foyth.
Villa Tachito (4-4-2): Lionel Riva, Cristian Ortega, Tomás Esposito, Ángel Jiménez, Mateo Mac Allister, Daniel Otamendi, Tiziano Ortega, Nicolás Ortiz, Lucas Costa, Valentín Acosta, Eduardo Mascherano.
Where they stand
In Primera E - GBA Sur, Invasor Zim FC are in position 2 with 55 points; Villa Tachito are in position 1 with 56 points. See the full table
Other results from matchday 6
About the clubs
Invasor Zim FC ("Agente Misterio"), founded in 1923, from the Bernal neighbourhood, with 2,673 fans. Home ground: Irk.
Villa Tachito ("el villa"), founded in 1952, from the Berazategui neighbourhood, with 2,231 fans. Home ground: Estadio Dimitri Payet.
Coming up
Next match for Invasor Zim FC: vs su proximo rival — Friday 30 October at 17:00 GMT
Next match for Villa Tachito: 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.