Instituto clinical in front of goal, see off Central Córdoba by half-time | OneFootball

As part of the fifth round of the 2026 Torneo Apertura, Instituto asserted their authority with a 2-0 victory over Central Córdoba. The match, played at the Monumental de Alta Córdoba, was decided thanks to the home team's effectiveness during the first half.

The goals that secured the win were scored by Matías Fonseca and Alex Luna, who converted from the penalty spot. With this result, “La Gloria” earned their first three points of the tournament and climbed to twelfth place in Zone A with 4 points, pushing “El Ferroviario” down to the next spot due to goal difference.

The score was opened quickly at 3’, when a precise cross from Diego Sosa found Fonseca unmarked in the six-yard box to head home for the 1-0 lead. Diego Flores’ team dominated the action and nearly extended their advantage in the 19th minute, but a powerful shot from Sosa crashed against the crossbar.

The definitive calm came at the 31st minute after a handball by Alejandro Maciel in the box. Luna took responsibility for the penalty and, with a subtle right-footed touch, sealed the 2-0. In the second half, the home side could have increased their lead after a header from Alarcón in the 58th minute, while the visitors had their clearest chance in the 79th minute with a shot from Matías Vera that hit the post.

In the next round, Instituto will host Atlético Tucumán (Thursday the 19th, 19:30), while Lucas Pusineri’s men will look to bounce back in Santiago del Estero against Tigre (Saturday the 21st, 21:30).

Match Summary:

Torneo Apertura 2026.

Zone A – Matchday 5.

Instituto 2 – 0 Central Córdoba.

Referee: Leandro Rey Hilfer.

VAR: Héctor Paletta.

Instituto: Manuel Roffo; Fernando Alarcón, Leonel Mosevich, Jonathan Galván; Giuliano Cerato, Gustavo Abregu, Gastón Lodico, Diego Sosa; Jhon Córdoba, Matías Fonseca, Alex Luna. Coach: Diego Flores.

Central Córdoba: Alan Aguerre; Santiago Moyano, Alejandro Maciel, Facundo Mansilla, Agustín Quiroga; Matías Vera, Tiago Cravero; Alan Laprida, Marco Iacobellis, Horacio Tijanovich; Michael Santos. Coach: Lucas Pusineri.

Goals in the first half: 3’ Matías Fonseca (I) and 31’ Alex Luna (I).

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