Analysis The numbers behind the result
Tarragona double powers clinical Union Santa Fe
Union Santa Fe were fully deserving of their emphatic 4-1 victory, outperforming Sarmiento Junin on both expected goals (1.25 vs 0.48) and shot quality, with 7 of their 11 total shots coming from inside the box. Despite near-even possession (49%-51%) and fewer shots on target (5 vs 6), Union Santa Fe were far more clinical, scoring four goals from opportunities worth 1.25 xG compared to Sarmiento's solitary strike from chances worth 0.48 xG.
The game swung decisively in Union Santa Fe's favor thanks to Cristian Tarragona's brace (18', 61') and Imanol Malcorra's goal (74'), which arrived after Malcorra had provided the assist for Tarragona's second. Emanuel Ramirez added late gloss (84') after Juan Mavilla's consolation for Sarmiento (79'). Malcorra was the standout creator, involved in two goals and contributing a team-high 230 accurate passes (73% completion).
The key stat was Union Santa Fe's clinical finishing - they required just 2.5 shots per goal, compared to Sarmiento's 10.