La Plata’s Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium staged a Supercopa Internacional final that swung from an early Estudiantes celebration to Rosario Central’s 3-1 triumph, then descended into a confrontation that spilled from the pitch towards the dressing rooms.
Rosario Central recover from early setback
- Estudiantes took the lead after only two minutes when midfielder Alexis Castro scored for the home side.
- Rosario Central responded before half-time through Ángel Di María, whose two goals turned the final around. One of them came from the penalty spot.
- Julián Fernández added the visitors’ third goal in second-half stoppage time, securing the 3-1 result.
- In the aftermath of Fernández’s strike, players from both teams became involved in a mass altercation featuring pushing, insults and physical clashes. The dispute began on the field and continued on the route to the changing area.
Penalty appeal adds to La Plata tension
Estudiantes were especially aggrieved by a second-half incident in which they believed the ball struck Ovando’s arm inside the penalty area. Referee Darío Herrera did not award a penalty, prompting strong protests from the hosts.
Juan Sebastián Verón, the former Argentina international who is now Estudiantes president, entered the pitch to challenge the decision during the unrest around the contest.
Di María said the scenes at the conclusion were regrettable, while insisting Rosario Central had not caused them. “What happened in the final was unfortunate,” he said. “We did nothing to make it happen. They will have their explanations, their own reasons. We are going to enjoy this moment.”
Libertadores meeting awaits
The final adds another sharp chapter to Estudiantes’ season in La Plata, where they are due to return for the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final against Flamengo on 15 October. The return fixture is scheduled for 22 October at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
The other Libertadores semi-final pairs Brazilian clubs Fluminense and Palmeiras.
