Gonzalo Marinelli, the goalkeeper for Independiente Rivadavia, became the hero of 'La Lepra' by saving the penalty from Argentinos Juniors' forward Tomás Molina in the Copa Argentina final.
On Wednesday night at the Juan Domingo Perón stadium in Córdoba, Independiente Rivadavia drew 2-2 with Argentinos Juniors. After taking a 2-0 lead, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Marinelli shone, having come on as a substitute in the 45th minute of extra time and conceding the equalizing goal.
On the fourth penalty of the shootout, the 36-year-old goalkeeper saved Molina's shot to the left post, but referee Nicolás Ramíres disallowed it, ruling that Marinelli had advanced off his line. The attacker had to retake it, and Marinelli again excelled, making a dive to his right to secure the win. This save secured the trophy for the Mendoza side, with Colombian Sebastián Villa scoring the decisive goal.
Born on February 7, 1989, in the Buenos Aires Partido of Jose C. Paz, Marinelli began his career at River Plate in 2008. He was part of the team that suffered relegation in 2011 and promotion in 2012 but never made his debut for the 'Millionarios'.
In 2014, he was loaned to Atlético de Rafaela, where he made his Primera División debut, ironically losing 2-0 to River Plate. Upon his return, the club decided to release him, and he joined Huracán for the second half of 2014. He stayed with 'El Globo' until 2017, having played only five matches, before moving to Colón de Santa Fe with his transfer rights.
