Bitter debut: Unión dominate Platense but leave empty-handed | OneFootball

In a packed 15 de Abril stadium, Unión couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against Platense in the opening match of the Torneo Apertura. The home team dominated for most of the game but lacked offensive arguments and finishing power in the final meters, having to settle for a point against a “Calamar” side that seemed satisfied with the draw.

A high-intensity start

The start of the match saw Platense take the initiative. Just one minute in, Heredia created the first dangerous chance after a cross from the right, which Fascendini managed to deflect to prevent a goal. Minutes later, Matías Mansilla had to intervene to send Mainero’s shot out for a corner. These were several warning signs for the rojiblanca defense in just four minutes.

Unión quickly got into the game and responded with a shot from Mateo Del Blanco that went “kissing” the post, after a good cross from Bruno Pittón. The match was a constant back-and-forth, with both teams pressing high and looking for quick transitions and direct attacks.

The Tate takes control, but lacks depth

As the minutes passed, the initial frenzy began to fade. Leonardo Madelón, Unión’s coach, called for order and urged Pittón to push forward to press, aiming for his team to control the game. The “Rojiblanco” managed to settle in and started to control the ball, although the game lost precision and chances on goal dwindled.

Unión enjoyed its best spell, pinning Platense back. However, the lack of depth remained a constant problem; only minor chances were created, with no real danger. The “Calamar” felt comfortable sitting back, relying on the solidity of its defense, where Maizon Rodríguez stood out in individual duels. The first half ended 0-0, leaving the impression that, although Unión improved as the half went on, the draw was fair.

Second half with the same tone

For the second half, Madelón kept the same eleven, but the start was a repeat of the first: Platense attacked quickly and Gauto tried his luck from distance. Unión showed nerves in their build-up and poor clearances during five shaky minutes.

Nevertheless, the home side regained focus and created a clear chance down the flanks. Colazo, now on the right, sent in a cross that Fragapane, at the penalty spot, couldn’t finish with power.

At the 11th minute, Madelón made changes, bringing on Marcelo Estigarribia and Nicolás Palavecino. Unión continued to dictate play and overloaded the box with crosses, facing a passive Platense that seemed content with the draw. Impatience began to be felt in the stands of the 15 de Abril.

Ending with a sense of disappointment

In the final stretch, Misael Aguirre made his debut for Unión, looking to inject some pace. The game became disorganized, with the home side pushing forward desperately and Platense lying in wait for the counter. The best chance of the second half fell to Nicolás Palavecino after a cross from Pittón, but he opened his foot too much and the ball went over the crossbar.

The 0-0 final left Unión wanting more, as they put in the greater effort but lacked the precision needed to win at home. Although they didn’t lose, it was clear the team has much to improve with the triple competition of 2026 ahead.

Match sheet

Unión (0): Matías Mansilla; Lautaro Vargas, Maizon Rodríguez, Valentín Fascendini, Mateo Del Blanco; Julián Palacios, Mauro Pittón, Rafael Profini, Franco Fragapane; Cristian Tarragona and Agustín Colazo. Coach: Leonardo Madelón.

Platense (0): Matías Borgogno; Juan Ignacio Saborido, Ignacio Vázquez, Eugenio Raggio, Tomás Silva; Felipe Busio, Maximiliano Amarfil; Guido Mainero, Franco Zapiola, Juan Gauto; and Leonardo Heredia. Coach: Walter Zunino.

Second half substitutions: 11′ Marcelo Estigarribia and Nicolás Palavecino for Colazo and Fragapane (U), 15′ Bautista Merlini for Zapiola (P), 33′ Misael Aguirre for Palacios and Mauro Luna Diale, Santiago Dalmasso and Tomás Nasif for Gauto, Amarfil and Heredia (P), 37′ Agustín Lagos for Saborido (P) and 39′ Bruno Pittón for Profini (U).

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