Perrotta Double Seals Banfield’s 3-2 Thriller vs Sarmiento

Banfield survived a late Sarmiento Junin fightback to win 3-2 in a breathless Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura clash at Estadio Florencio Sola, with Tiziano Perrotta’s brace proving decisive in a second half that exploded into life after a goalless first period.

Banfield’s Second-Half Surge

The deadlock lasted just eight minutes after the restart when Perrotta struck his first, sweeping home David Zalazar’s cutback in the 53rd minute. The talisman doubled his tally six minutes later, finishing clinically after Tomas Adoryan’s threaded pass exposed Sarmiento’s high line.

Pedro Troglio’s side seemed in control when Braian Sepulveda converted an 82nd-minute penalty, but the drama was only beginning.

Sarmiento’s Stunning Late Rally

Juan Herrera pulled one back immediately for Sarmiento in the 84th minute, pouncing on hesitant defending. Sixty seconds later, Junior Marabel made it 3-2 with a thunderous strike that set up a grandstand finish.

The visitors, who’d dominated possession (61%) and outshot Banfield 13-16, couldn’t find an equaliser despite their xG (2.17) suggesting they deserved more. Juan Manuel Insaurralde’s 78th-minute yellow card summed up their frustration as Facundo Sava’s substitutions failed to turn territorial dominance into points.

What This Means

For Banfield, this smash-and-grab victory – achieved with just 39% possession – kickstarts their Clausura campaign after a slow start. Perrotta’s predatory instincts (2 goals from 3 shots) paper over concerning defensive lapses that nearly cost them.

Sarmiento’s wait for a first win continues despite encouraging signs. Their 78% pass accuracy and 9 shots inside the box show promise, but converting dominance into results remains their Achilles’ heel.

Both sides face midweek fixtures knowing this match could define their early-season momentum – Banfield will hope to build, while Sarmiento must quickly address their finishing woes.