Estudiantes de La Plata wins Torneo Clausura title

Estudiantes de La Plata was crowned champion of the Torneo Clausura after defeating Racing Club in an electrifying final that was decided by penalties 5-4, after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. Adrián Martínez opened the scoring for the Academy in the 35th minute of the second half, but Guido Carrillo equalized in the 48th. José Sosa, Lucas Alario, Joaquín Tobio Burgos, Eric Meza, and Facundo Rodríguez converted their penalties, while Racing missed two crucial attempts: Gastón Martirena and Franco Pardo could not beat Muslera, who emerged as the decisive figure. In this way, Estudiantes prevailed in the shootout and was crowned champion of the Torneo Clausura. Both teams tried, but without clarity, although Racing was close with a header from Martínez that forced a great save from Muslera. Racing warned first with attempts from Duván Vergara and Juan Nardoni, while Estudiantes responded with approaches from Tiago Palacios and Guido Carrillo, well contained by Facundo Cambeses. However, when the title seemed to be leaning towards the Academy, Estudiantes reacted and, in the 47th minute, Guido Carrillo equalized the match with a header from a free kick, forcing extra time. During extra time, fatigue was the main protagonist. In the 35th minute of the second half, Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez took advantage of a defensive lapse and finished with great quality against the exit of Fernando Muslera to put Racing ahead. With no more emotions, the final was decided from the penalty spot. In the shootout, Estudiantes showed greater efficiency and composure. In case of winning the Trofeo de Campeones, Estudiantes will be enabled to dispute the Supercopa Internacional, in which it will measure itself against Rosario Central, champion of the annual table and recognized as “League Champion”. The first automatic prize for the “Pincha” is direct qualification to the Copa Libertadores 2026, where it will occupy the Argentina 2 spot, guaranteeing its presence in the most important continental tournament in America. In turn, the title also gave it access to the Trofeo de Campeones 2025, where it will face Platense, champion of the Torneo Apertura, next December 20 in San Nicolás. But the competitive path does not end there. In the penalty shootout, the definitive shot was missed by Franco Pardo for the “Academy”. The match was intense and even from the start. Also, that same final will grant it the right to play the Supercopa Argentina, against the winner of the Copa Argentina. The first half ended without goals, with chances shared and a frayed development, marked by several fouls and cautions. In the second half, the game remained open and with alternatives.