Alario’s double fires Estudiantes to title, ends goal drought | OneFootball

The experienced 33-year-old striker was the star of the Trofeo de Campeones, which ended with Pincha’s triumph over Platense.

Estudiantes de La Plata closed a historic 2025 by being crowned champions of the Trofeo de Campeones in a thrilling finale at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás. The Pincha defeated Platense 2-1 with an outstanding performance from Lucas Alario, who scored both comeback goals in the last ten minutes of the match after coming off the bench. Remarkably, during his time with Eduardo Domínguez’s squad, he had only scored once before.

The final of the Trofeo de Campeones, in which the winners of the Apertura and Clausura Tournaments faced off, became an uphill battle for Estudiantes after falling behind to a goal by Franco Zapiola, a product of the La Plata team, at the start of the second half. With the unfavorable score, Domínguez made changes to try to turn the game around. Lucas Alario entered the field in the 73rd minute in place of Christian Medina and in the 79th minute, he scored the equalizer.

The Colombian Edwin Cetré sent in a sharp cross for Fabricio Pérez, who set up the 33-year-old striker, who only had to head the ball in. Although it looked like the final was heading to extra time, Alario appeared again to make it 2-1. Platense defended poorly on a corner kick and the former River Plate player was left alone in the six-yard box to finish first time.

“Just like the last final, once again we had to fight from behind and it becomes very tough. But what I value most about this whole year, besides the titles which are very important, is the humility, the character, the personality the team showed to be mentally strong and get through everything we had to face. We managed to reach the end of the year and finish it with two titles. Honestly, we deserved this for all the work we put in and everything we went through,” said Pipa after the final, speaking to ESPN.

For his part, in statements to TNT Sports, he said: “Incredible. So much happiness for how it happened. They scored on us at the start of the second half, and honestly it was tough. We felt the blow, but we showed our character once again. It was a reflection of the last match: not giving up and always trying. Personally, I was the one who scored and helped the team. But it’s nothing without the group. I value the human quality throughout the year. We had tough moments, we went through difficult times. But I think the group, the character, the personality kept me going. That’s what I take away from this.”

It’s worth noting that Lucas Alario joined Estudiantes de La Plata at the start of 2025 from Inter de Porto Alegre. Since then, the experienced striker, who previously played for Colón de Santa Fe, River Plate, Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt, has played a total of 28 matches in the Pincha shirt. However, until this Saturday, he had only scored one goal: the winning goal against Banfield on matchday 5 of the Torneo Clausura.

“It’s tough because strikers are expected to score goals. Obviously, we play in a much more modern and different football than when I started. Calmness, hard work, not going crazy and, above all, having the humility and discipline to know how to wait and contribute in other ways. Then, when the chance comes, always make the most of it. Every time I’m on the pitch I try to give my best and help the team,” he explained.

Along these same lines, he added: “In the end, I wouldn’t have become a professional player. Criticism gets to you, it hurts because we’re human beings. We live in a very passionate society. But for me, personally, it makes me stronger and more humble. That’s the path I’m on and I think today was a reward for all of that.”

Lucas Alario stepped up at the most opportune moment for Estudiantes by scoring a brace in the final of the Trofeo de Campeones. This title over Platense will allow Pincha to compete for new trophies in Argentine football in 2026.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.