Analysis The numbers behind the result
Unión Santa Fe defy xG to edge Lanús
Unión Santa Fe's 2-1 victory over Lanús slightly flattered them when judged by the underlying numbers. Lanús dominated possession (59%) and created the better chances, generating an xG of 1.04 compared to Santa Fe's 0.45. However, Santa Fe were clinical, converting two of their three shots on target. Lanús, despite their higher xG, managed only two shots on target from ten attempts, highlighting Santa Fe's defensive resilience and Lanús' profligacy.
The key moments came in a frantic second half. Lucas Menossi opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after neither side troubled the goalkeepers in the first half. Lanús responded through Federico Peña Biafore in the 73rd minute, assisted by Gonzalo Pérez. However, Santa Fe's Joaquín Mosqueira delivered the decisive blow just three minutes later, assisted by Cristian Tarragona. Santa Fe's ability to respond swiftly after Lanús' equaliser proved crucial.
The defining stat was Santa Fe's shot conversion rate: they scored twice from three shots on target (66.7% conversion) compared to Lanús' one goal from two on target (50%). This clinical edge, coupled with Lanús' inability to maximise their superior possession and xG, ultimately decided the contest.