Unión: Tagliamonte’s superb record saving penalties | OneFootball

The goalkeeper of Unión, a standout figure against Defensa y Justicia, is experiencing a brilliant moment and accumulates outstanding numbers every time he faces a shot from twelve yards.

The name Matías Tagliamonte resonated strongly in Santa Fe after Unión's great 3-0 victory over Defensa y Justicia, where he was one of the standout figures and once again shone by saving a crucial penalty from Abiel Osorio. His performance was not only decisive for securing permanence and entering the qualification zone, but it also reaffirmed a trend: the tatengue goalkeeper has a remarkable record in penalties.

Tagliamonte, whose loan expires on December 31, is on loan from Racing, and Unión has a purchase option of 500 thousand dollars for 50% of the transfer. The club is already seriously considering executing that clause, driven by the goalkeeper's level, who demonstrates security, reflexes, and character in every appearance.

The impressive penalty records of Matías Tagliamonte

The supporting data is compelling: in the 13 penalties he faced in his career, between regular time and shootouts, he saved 5 (3 in 90 minutes and 2 in shootouts). Only 7 ended in goals, and one was missed by the kicker, resulting in an effectiveness of over 38%, a notable figure for the position.

His path between the posts shows a constant progression. In his beginnings at Atlético de Rafaela, in the 2019/20 Primera Nacional season, he suffered two penalties —against San Martín de Tucumán and Instituto— that ended in goals. At Tigre, he achieved his first penalty save in regular time, and at Gimnasia de Mendoza, during the 2024 tournament, he faced three shots, all converted.

However, his great breakthrough came at Unión, where his hands became a charm. In the Apertura 2025, he saved a penalty from Alan Lescano (Argentinos Juniors); in the Clausura, he stood out again against Abiel Osorio (Defensa y Justicia), and in the Copa Argentina, he was a standout against Rosario Central, where in the 90 minutes he saved a penalty from Ignacio Malcorra, and then in the shootout he shone against Agustín Módica and Gaspar Duarte, ensuring qualification.

His background and Madelón's guidance

Throughout his career, Tagliamonte has defended the colors of Atlético Rafaela, Gimnasia de Mendoza, Racing, Tigre, and Unión, and at each step, he made it clear that he has a special gift for reading opponents' intentions. “I always wait until the end, as Leo (Madelón) asks me,” he acknowledged days ago after the victory against the Halcón.

Beyond the numbers, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has earned the support of the team, the coaching staff, and the fans, who are already calling for his continuity. Unión has the decision in its hands, and if Tagliamonte has made anything clear, it's that under pressure, he knows how to respond.

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