Central Norte beat Estudiantes de Caseros 2-1 at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, securing a victory decided by the night's final attacking action. The Primera Nacional Zone A round-26 match remained goalless throughout the opening half. All three goals arrived after the break, and the decisive moment came in the 50th minute of the second period, turning an even contest into a dramatic home win.
The first half ended 0-0 and reflected a game with little penetration in either penalty area. At the interval, Central Norte had recorded 43 per cent possession and Estudiantes 57, yet neither side had produced a shot on target. The stalemate did not mean an absence of competition: Pedro Sanz was booked for the hosts, while Bautista Degregorio and Ian Vera received yellow cards for the visitors.
The breakthrough arrived 17 minutes into the second half through a Jorge Benítez own goal. That incident put Central Norte ahead after Estudiantes had enjoyed periods with more of the ball. The visitors responded without losing their structure and found an equaliser eight minutes later. Franco Quinteros scored in the 25th minute and restored a balance that would last until added time.
Both coaches used substitutions to reshape a tight match. Central Norte introduced Joaquín Mateo, Agustín Bustinduy, Agustín Aleo and Matías Moravec at different stages. Estudiantes answered with Juan Cruz Vergara, Matías Núñez, Román Rodríguez and Tomás Squie. The changes did not create permanent control for either team, but they broadened the possible routes towards a late conclusion.
Just when the draw appeared final, Francisco Borda struck in the 50th minute of the second half to establish the 2-1 score. His goal converted a balanced night into a victory carrying considerable emotional value for the Salta side. The final statistical margins were equally narrow: Central Norte held 52 per cent possession to Estudiantes' 48, and each team registered one shot on target.
The match ended without a red card and with two bookings for each side. The result left Central Norte in 13th place in Zone A, while Estudiantes occupied seventh. Their positions reveal different needs: the home team required points to improve its place in the lower section, whereas the Caseros club was trying to maintain a stronger position within a more competitive part of the standings.
The calendar now offers a quick continuation. Central Norte return to the Martearena on Wednesday, 26 August at 21:30 against Deportivo Morón. Estudiantes host Ferro on Saturday the 29th at Estadio Ciudad de Caseros. For the winners, the task is to turn the momentum of a dramatic finish into consistency; for the visitors, it is to recover from losing a point on the final action.
