Rosario Central revealed their starting lineup for a key Liga Profesional Argentina 2026 match against Gimnasia La Plata. Manager Jorge Almirón selected a 4-2-3-1 formation, as detailed in the team sheets reported by en.as.com. en.as.com first reported the story.
Jeremías Ledesma wore the number 23 shirt in goal. The defensive line consisted of Ignacio Ovando (46), Agustín Sández (3), Emanuel Coronel (32), and Gastón Ávila (13). In midfield, Franco Ibarra (5) and Vicente Pizarro (20) formed the double pivot, flanked by Jaminton Campaz (8) and Giovanni Cantizano (26). The creative burden fell on Ángel Di María in the number 11 role, with veteran striker Marco Ruben leading the line as the number 9.
What substitutions did Almirón make during the match?
The Rosario Central boss made a double change at halftime. In the 45th minute, Ignacio Ovando and Agustín Sández made way for Facundo Mallo (15) and Alexis Soto (33). This reshuffled the central and full-back areas.
Later, in the 66th minute, Almirón refreshed his engine room. He substituted Giovanni Cantizano and Vicente Pizarro. They were replaced by attacking midfielder Federico Navarro, wearing 31, and striker Enzo Copetti, who took the number 22 shirt. The final alteration came with 8 minutes remaining, when Tomás Badaloni (16) came on for goalscorer Marco Ruben.
The Rosario Central bench held further options like full-back Sebastián Zaracho (2), midfielder Franco Cervi (10), goalkeeper Axel Werner (1), and youngster Elías Verón (42). The team enters this match following a 1-2 loss to the same opponent last week, on August 29th, and sits seventh in the standings with 11 points.
How did opponents Gimnasia La Plata line up?
Opposite them, Gimnasia La Plata started in a 4-1-4-1 shape under manager Ariel Pereyra. Between the posts was Nelson Insfrán (23). The back four featured German Conti (13), Pedro Silva Torrejón (24), Enzo Martínez (21), and Bautista Barros Schelotto (31).
Mateo Seoane (18) operated as the lone defensive midfielder. Ahead of him, a line of four midfielders included Lucas Janson (17), Ignacio Fernández Lobbe (8), Maximiliano Zalazar (9), and Ignacio Miramon (5). The solitary forward was Agustín Auzmendi wearing 29.
The visiting manager also made changes. In the 52nd minute, Franco Torres (26) replaced Maximiliano Zalazar. Then, between the 69th and 70th minutes, Agustín Colazo (19) and Renzo Giampaoli (4) came on for Auzmendi and Janson. In the closing stages, Augusto Max (16) and Manuel Panaro (7) substituted Fernández Lobbe and Seoane.
What is Rosario Central's current league context?
This match comes at a key stage of the championship for Rosario Central. The team has scored 8 goals and conceded 7, giving them a positive goal difference of +1. Their form over the last five games, however, shows one win, two draws, and two losses.
The recent sequence of results is LLDDW, meaning they have lost their last two outings. This places them five points behind the league leaders, Argentinos Juniors. The immediate objective will be to stop that negative run and secure three points to stay in the fight for the top spots. Detailed squad information is available on the official squad page.
The next challenge for El Canalla is a high-voltage affair. On Sunday, September 6th, they will host their arch-rivals, Newell's Old Boys, at the Gigante de Arroyito. This Rosario derby is always a special fixture, and Almirón's team will aim to build momentum. Fans can check the full schedule in our fixtures section.
