Ignacio Ovando was the hero for Rosario Central in a 1-0 win over Argentinos Juniors in the Torneo Clausura. The midfielder scored with a precise header in the 41st minute, following a measured cross from Vicente Pizarro from a corner kick. The result keeps the team in fifth place in the Liga Profesional Argentina, with 15 points from nine games played.
The match, refereed by Pablo Dóvalo, was intense from the start. Rosario Central created the clearer chances, especially in the first half. Before the goal, the home side had already shown danger with missed shots and an offside call against Alan Rodríguez. The decisive moment came just before the break, when Pizarro found Ovando in the centre of the box to head the ball into the visitor's left post.
Substitutions and cards
The second half was marked by substitutions and cautions. Alan Rodríguez had to be replaced by Federico Navarro at the end of the first half due to discomfort. Later, Jáminton Campaz made way for Giovanni Cantizano in the 86th minute. In the final moments, Ángel Di María and Elías Verón were replaced by Gaspar Duarte and Facundo Mallo. The referee showed yellow cards to Rosario Central's Franco Ibarra and Argentinos Juniors' Franco Vázquez for dangerous play. Ovando was also booked near the end of the match.
Both teams had chances to change the scoreline. The Rosario Central goalkeeper made important saves, especially in the second half, to keep a clean sheet. Argentinos Juniors pressed with attacks down the wings and crosses into the box, but failed to find the net. The visiting team finished the match with seven corner kicks, one more than the hosts, but without success.
With this win, Rosario Central extends its positive run to two consecutive league victories, after beating Tigre last week with a Di María penalty. The veteran forward is the team's top scorer this season with eight goals in 22 appearances. The team's next fixture is away to Banfield, who sit twelfth in the table, on October 6th. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the updated league table on standings.
First reported at Clarin Deportes
