Velez Sarsfield took three points from their clash with Tigre at the José Amalfitani, winning 3-2 in the Clausura round ten of Argentina's professional league. The result keeps the hosts third in the table on 28 points, while Tigre remain tenth with 20 after 16 games.
R. Martinez opened the scoring in the 14th minute, a moment that set the tone for how the game would unfold. By then it was clear Velez wanted to control the tempo, and they did just that with 57 per cent possession. Tigre responded with more direct intent, creating four big chances to Velez's three.
The second half brought a shift in momentum. I. Russo equalised in the 57th minute, and then J. Policella restored the lead for Velez just ten minutes later. And here's the thing — Tigre had won the expected goals battle, 1.54 to 1.32, yet found themselves chasing the game.
Tigre pulled one back through J. Domina in the 87th minute, setting up a frantic finale. R. Martinez sealed it with a second in the 89th minute, and the home side saw the game out despite Tigre finishing with nine shots on target against Velez's eight.
Tigres had more shots on target but Velez were more clinical in front of goalThe statistics tell a story of inefficiency on both sides. Velez registered 16 shots with only 35 per cent accuracy, while Tigre's 12 attempts carried 69 per cent accuracy. Many chances went begging, and the result came down to who took theirs.
For Velez, this adds to a mixed run of form — 1-1 with Newell's Old Boys, a 1-0 win over Estudiantes, and a goalless draw with Boca Juniors among their recent results. Tigre have not won since beating Central Córdoba, and that run of two games without victory will worry them.
What matters now is the gap. Velez sit eight points clear of Tigre, and while the table goes out of the window in these games, the hosts have shown they can win when it counts.
