Buenos Aires, November 22 (NA) – Estudiantes de Río Cuarto took a crucial step towards promotion by defeating Deportivo Madryn 2-0 in the first leg of the Primera Nacional Promotion Final at the Antonio Candini stadium. The match, directed by Dario Herrera as reported by the Argentine News Agency, saw the 'Lion of the Empire' prevail with goals from Tomás Fernández and Juan Antonini. The first half showed Estudiantes with more initiative, using their full-backs and finding space, although the clearest chances were shared. Madryn could have taken the lead at seven minutes with a header from Luis Silbaque, but he incredibly missed in front of goal. The home side responded with dangerous shots from Ferreira and other plays that tested Yair Bonnin, one of the visiting team's key players. The psychological boost ignited the 'Lion', which generated several more opportunities, including a goal-line clearance during a massive Cordoba team attack. The definitive prize came at 40 minutes, when a cross into the area found Juan Antonini, who won the header and, after a rebound between the goalkeeper and the crossbar, pushed the ball in again for the final 2-0. With the advantage, Estudiantes will travel to Chubut with a significant margin, while Deportivo Madryn, who must win and at least draw on aggregate, will have to overturn the tie at their stadium to keep their dream of promotion to the top division alive.
