Carlos Izquierdoz’s 90th-minute goal gives Lanus a 1-0 win

Lanus defeated Defensa Y Justicia 1-0 in the Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura, with Carlos Izquierdoz scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute. The result ended a tightly contested match with Lanus taking all three points in Round 8.

Late goal settles an even contest

Neither side was able to break through during the opening 89 minutes. Lanus used a 4-2-3-1 under M. Pellegrino, while Defensa Y Justicia lined up in a 4-3-3 coached by J. Vaccari. The visitors had slightly more of the ball and circulated it more frequently, but Lanus created the more threatening opportunities in key areas.

The breakthrough arrived in the 90th minute when Izquierdoz scored a normal goal for Lanus. It was his only shot on target, but it proved enough to decide the match. Lanus goalkeeper N. Losada also made three saves to preserve the clean sheet, while Defensa goalkeeper saves totalled four.

Lanus carried the sharper threat

The statistics showed a close overall contest. Defensa Y Justicia held 52% possession and completed 408 accurate passes from 536 total, compared with Lanus’ 378 accurate passes from 476. However, Lanus registered more total shots, 15 to 11, and had a clear advantage in shots inside the box, 9-3. Defensa attempted more shots from outside the box, 8-6, while Lanus also led corners 7-3.

That contrast reflected the outcome: Defensa had more possession, but Lanus reached better shooting positions. Both teams recorded three shots on goal, although Lanus’ greater volume inside the area ultimately gave the home side the decisive edge. Lanus committed 14 fouls to Defensa’s 11 and was flagged offside twice, while Defensa was offside once.

Cards and second-half changes

Defensa’s Juan Manuel Gutiérrez received the first yellow card in the 33rd minute. Lanus added three cautions after the interval, with Lucas Agustín Besozzi booked in the 51st minute, José Canale in the 83rd and Diego Agustín Medina in the 90th. Neither team received a red card.

Lanus introduced Matías Sepúlveda for Besozzi in the 59th minute before making two more changes at 69 minutes, bringing on Ramiro Carrera and Medina. Defensa made a triple change in the 63rd minute, sending on Maximiliano Porcel, Leandro Fernández and Jeremías Lucco.

Table impact and standout performer

Lanus began the round 13th in Clausura Group A with seven points from seven matches, while Defensa Y Justicia were third with 14 points. The victory gives Lanus 10 points from eight games; Defensa remain on 14 points after their first Clausura defeat. Lanus’ recent sequence now ends with a win, while Defensa’s recent run takes a loss.

Izquierdoz was the outstanding performer, earning an 8.4 rating after completing 90 minutes. His late goal, one shot on target, one key pass and two tackles made the Lanus defender the central figure in the 1-0 victory.