Gastón Ávila’s stoppage-time double lifts Rosario Central past Sarmiento
Rosario Central claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sarmiento on Saturday, with defender Gastón Ávila scoring twice—including a decisive goal in the 95th minute—to cap a tense Liga Profesional contest. The late winner gave Central all three points after a match shaped by an early setback, an injury to Ángel Di María and two Sarmiento players being sent off.
Ávila’s performance was another encouraging sign for the defender, who is rebuilding his career in Argentina while on loan from Ajax. The 25-year-old has now scored seven goals in 27 appearances for Rosario Central, a notable return for a player whose primary responsibilities come at the back.
Sarmiento strike first before Ávila restores parity
The hosts made a fast start. Just five minutes into the match, Manuel García found the net to put Sarmiento ahead and give Rosario Central an early challenge to overcome. Central responded by trying to settle into possession and find opportunities through their forward line.
The equaliser arrived in the 29th minute. Enzo Copetti helped create the opening, and Ávila finished the move to bring the visitors level at 1-1. The goal was important not only for the scoreline but also for the confidence it gave Central after conceding so quickly. Neither side managed to add another before the break, leaving the match finely balanced at half-time.
Rosario Central’s plans were disrupted after the restart when Di María was forced off injured in the 59th minute. His departure removed an experienced attacking presence, but the visitors continued to press for control of the game.
Red cards change the shape of the contest
The match took a major turn in the 67th minute. Renzo Orihuela was sent off for a foul on Copetti, leaving Sarmiento to defend with ten players. Central gained more room to advance, though breaking down a compact defence still required patience and precision.
A second dismissal further tilted the contest. Santiago Salle made a heavy challenge on Ávila late in the match, and the referee initially showed him a yellow card. After a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red, reducing Sarmiento to nine men. The video review proved decisive in the disciplinary call and left the home side with an increasingly difficult task: protecting a draw while short-handed.
For Rosario Central, the numerical advantage brought greater urgency. The visitors pushed forward in search of a winner, but the pressure also demanded care. Sarmiento’s remaining players focused on closing spaces and limiting clear chances as the clock moved into added time.
Ávila delivers the decisive moment
Central finally broke through in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Ignacio Ovando supplied the pass, and Ávila controlled the ball neatly before striking with his left foot to make it 2-1. The finish completed his brace and transformed a hard-fought away performance into a dramatic victory.
The goal also underlined Ávila’s influence at both ends of the pitch. A defender scoring twice in a single match is unusual, and the timing of the second strike made the performance especially memorable. His ability to contribute in attack could prove valuable as Central approach the decisive stage of the Torneo Clausura.
A fresh opportunity after a difficult Ajax spell
Ávila’s current form contrasts with his experience in the Netherlands. Ajax signed him from Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2023 for a reported €12.5 million, with bonuses potentially increasing the total fee to €14.5 million. The move raised expectations, but he struggled to establish himself in Amsterdam and made only eight official appearances for the club.
The loan move to Rosario Central has offered the defender a chance to regain rhythm and confidence. He has recently become a regular, and his growing goal contribution suggests that he is making the most of his opportunity. Central also hold an option to buy him, while his Ajax contract runs until mid-2028. His performances in Argentina may therefore influence both clubs’ plans for his future.
For Ajax, Ávila’s progress is worth monitoring as the loan continues. For Central, the immediate priority is simpler: keep a key defender fit, maintain the team’s momentum and decide whether his impact merits a permanent deal. Saturday’s brace will strengthen his case, although any long-term decision will depend on more than one result.
Rosario Central building momentum in Group B
Under coach Jorge Almirón, Rosario Central have won four of their last five matches and drawn the other. That run has helped them reach the top of Group B in the Torneo Clausura with 31 points, placing them within reach of a knockout-stage berth.
The win over Sarmiento is significant in the broader league picture because it combines three points with a late display of persistence. Central had to recover from an early goal, cope with Di María’s injury and keep pushing against a defence that became increasingly stretched after the red cards. Those qualities may matter as much as the final score when the knockout rounds arrive.
Rosario Central’s next listed Liga Profesional fixture is against Tigre on November 9, 2026, while Sarmiento are scheduled to face Estudiantes on the same date. Central will hope to carry their current form into that match, while Sarmiento will need to regroup after a frustrating defeat.
For supporters following Argentine football, Ávila’s late winner offers plenty to discuss: a comeback from an early deficit, a VAR-reviewed red card and a defender delivering the decisive finish. Any football prediction for Central’s next outing will need to account for their strong recent run, but also for the uncertainty surrounding Di María’s fitness. Saturday’s result, however, gave the club another reason to believe its Clausura campaign can end with a place in the knockout stage.
