Argentino Monte Maíz — Villa Mitre: 1:0, Torneo Federal A

Argentino Monte-Mais beat Villa-Mitre 1:0 in the Winners Stage - 8 of the Federal Tournament A on Saturday evening. The hosts held firm through a scrappy contest that saw discipline crumble in the second half. And here's the thing — the scoreline masks what was really a tight affair where both sides found themselves hanging on.

The first real chance came early when Santos Bacigalupe picked up a yellow card just three minutes in. Mateo Romero was substituted for his side at the half-hour mark, though the reason wasn't clear from the match report. Villa-Mitre grew into the game after that period of nervous play.

We had called for the hosts to win with 41% confidence, and it turned out to be spot on. By then the match had settled into a pattern where each side knew the other was uncomfortable. The visitors worked a short corner at one point but couldn't convert their territorial advantage into anything meaningful.

The game turned ugly after the break. A yellow card at 61 minutes started a cascade that saw four more bookings by the 84th minute. Hugo Vera was then sent off in the 88th minute, but the damage was already done — the goal had already come.

The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute when the hosts finally broke through. Six shots on target compared to three for Villa-Mitre told the story of efficiency over volume. The visitors had more corners — seven to two — but couldn't find a way past the home defence.

The result keeps Argentino Monte-Mais fifth on 11 points from eight games. Villa-Mitre remain seventh with nine points from seven matches, though they now have a game in hand. The hosts are back in full training after winning their last two, while the visitors have drawn their last three.