Sol de Mayo secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Santamarina in the first round of the Losers Stage of the Torneo Federal A on Saturday evening. The hosts controlled possession at 54 percent, though Santamarina managed more shots overall. By then, the visitors had already seen their recent form dip, having lost their last outing 2-0 to Olimpo.
Sol de Mayo pressed forward through their attacks, registering 98 compared to Santamarina's 88. The visitors countered with eight shots, three finding the target, while the hosts managed seven attempts with three on goal. And here's the thing — possession meant little when Santamarina couldn't convert their chances.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when G. Jara struck for Sol de Mayo. The home side's substitute S. Jara had come on just before the break, and another change saw D. Sosa enter at 73 minutes. Santamarina threw everyone forward after conceding, but the hosts held their nerve.
Three yellow cards appeared during the second half, all for Sol de Mayo, with the first coming at 31 minutes and the final one at 81. The home side made three substitutions in quick succession, bringing on S. Jara, D. Sosa and T. Romero between the 65th and 79th minutes. To be fair, the visitors had more throw-ins at 35 compared to the hosts' 30.
Both teams arrived in identical positions, sitting ninth and tenth with seven games played, two victories, five defeats and six points each. This result gives Sol de Mayo a crucial advantage as they navigate the knockout pathway. Santamarina now face an uphill battle to progress further.
