Lanús lost a new Clásico del Sur to Banfield by 2-1 in the match played at the Florencio Sola stadium. Playing in matchday 14, the visitors' only goal was scored by forward Eduardo Salvio, while for the home team, attackers Bruno Sepúlveda and Rodrigo Auzmendi found the net. Despite still having the Copa Sudamericana final and the Clausura playoffs, the performance of Mauricio Pellegrino's reserve team was disappointing and raises concerns for a crucial end to the season. A weak performance, lack of attitude, few goal-scoring chances, and an absence of defensive strength—a potent cocktail that leaves a bad taste in Lanús's mouth as the year comes to a close. The “Granate” team never found its footing in the match. The Lanús team must play the Copa Sudamericana final on November 22 against Atlético Mineiro of Brazil and still has the Clausura tournament playoffs, although Pellegrino will likely have to assess the level of his backup players for matches of such importance and for the next season. On the “Taladro” side, it was all celebration and joy. The starters, most of whom are usually substitutes, lacked intensity and struggled to impose themselves on a Banfield side that arrived with some injuries but played an exceptional Clásico. Furthermore, the regular starters who came off the bench seemed cold: prime evidence of this was the lack of danger generated by midfielder Marcelino Moreno, one of the stars of Argentine football. A loss in the Clásico is a slap in the face, but by no means definitive. The fans contributed to the team's push from the very first second, along with a great welcome with fireworks, for a side that represented what its faithful ask for in a Clásico: commitment, intensity, and not giving up on a single ball. That's how the first goal came about, with forward Mauro Méndez making a great run from the center to the left to then assist forward Bruno Sepúlveda, while the second goal came from a one-on-one by attacker Rodrigo Auzmendi. The emotion in the celebrations, including a pitch invasion by a large group of supporters, was threefold: Banfield secured a new classic, extending their lead to 12 matches, ensured their permanence, and moved into sixth place in Zone A, in a qualifying position. Lanús has some of the most important matches in its history ahead, and it is crystal clear that they are its true priority, although on this windy night in the southern part of the Buenos Aires conurbation, it was Banfield that celebrated.
