Alario’s redemption at Estudiantes: two goals seal title for Pincha | OneFootball

The experienced 33-year-old striker was the standout figure of the Trofeo de Campeones, which ended with Pincha’s crowning victory over Platense.

Estudiantes de La Plata closed out a historic 2025 by being crowned champions of the Trofeo de Campeones in a thrilling finale at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás. Pincha defeated Platense 2-1 with an outstanding performance by 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 recorded one goal.

The final of the Trofeo de Campeones, which pitted the winners of the Torneo Apertura and Clausura against each other, became an uphill battle for Estudiantes after falling behind to a goal by Franco Zapiola, a player who came up through the La Plata team, early in the second half. With the unfavorable result, Domínguez made changes to try to alter the course of the game. Lucas Alario entered the field in the 73rd minute, replacing 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 nod the ball in. Although the final seemed headed for 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 back from behind and it was 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 made it to the end of the year and closed it out with two titles. Honestly, we deserved this for all the work and experiences 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 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 got to score and help the team. But it’s nothing without the group. I value the human quality throughout the year. We had tough times, we went through difficult moments. 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 beginning 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’re playing in a much more modern and different football than when I started. Calmness, hard work, not losing your head, and above all, having the humility and discipline to know how to wait and contribute in other ways. Then, when it’s time to take advantage, always do it in the best way possible. Every time I’m on the pitch, I try to give my best and help the team,” he explained.

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

Lucas Alario rose to the occasion 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.