Velez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield vs Platense: A Clausura Classic
The José Amalfitani Stadium shook with disbelief as Vélez Sarsfield and Platense played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in their Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura clash, a result that felt like defeat for the hosts after Franco Zapiola Yamartino’s 88th-minute gut punch cancelled out Ronaldo Martinez’s brace.
Vélez Sarsfield’s Lightning Start
Ronaldo Martinez announced himself after just five minutes, latching onto a loose ball to rifle Vélez ahead. But Platense’s Bautista Merlini silenced the home crowd two minutes later with an instant reply, pouncing on hesitant defending to slot home. The match was less than seven minutes old and already crackling with chaos.
Vélez’s injury woes mounted as Manuel Lanzini and Juan Cruz Policella hobbled off before the 15-minute mark. Yet Martinez restored order in the 54th minute, meeting Simón Escobar’s cross with a glancing header that seemed destined to be the winner.
Platense’s Relentless Fightback
Martin Palermo’s men refused to wilt. Agustín Lagos saw a penalty saved in first-half stoppage time, but Platense’s 53% possession and 16 total shots (13 inside the box) told the story of their territorial dominance. The pressure told when Zapiola Yamartino bundled home Lagos’ knockdown with two minutes remaining – Platense’s fifth shot on target producing their deserved equaliser.
Aftermath: Points Shared, Pride Intact
For Vélez, it’s two points dropped in their Clausura campaign despite Martinez’s heroics. Platense’s bench (making five subs to Vélez’s three) proved crucial as they extended their unbeaten run. The 11th round leaves both teams with burning questions – but none about their entertainment value after this heart-stopping Buenos Aires derby.
Key Moments
5′ ⚽ Velez Sarsfield — Ronaldo Martinez
7′ ⚽ Platense — Bautista Merlini
54′ ⚽ Velez Sarsfield — Ronaldo Martinez (assist: Simón Escobar)
88′ ⚽ Platense — Franco Zapiola Yamartino (assist: Agustin Lagos)
