David Martínez’s Goal Moves Defensa Y Justicia to 14 Clausura Points

Defensa Y Justicia defeated Platense 1-0 at Estadio Norberto Tomaghello on Monday, August 31, securing a Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura victory in Round 7. David Martínez scored the only goal in the 75th minute, turning a closely contested match in favour of the home side.

Martínez breaks the deadlock

The decisive moment arrived after 75 minutes. D. Barbona provided the assist for Martínez, who finished to give Defensa Y Justicia a narrow lead. The goal was the match’s only successful attempt, despite Platense recording more total shots overall.

Defensa Y Justicia made three changes during the second half. T. Martínez and A. Hausch replaced S. Sosa and L. Fernandez in the 66th minute, while M. Porcel came on for Barbona at 79 minutes. Platense made a triple change at 61 minutes, with F. Zapiola, J. Saborido and J. Gauto replacing N. Lopez, T. Silva and G. Togni.

Platense had more attempts, but Defensa controlled the ball

The statistics show a balanced game with a narrow edge in several areas for Defensa Y Justicia. The hosts held 56% possession and completed 325 of 406 passes, compared with Platense’s 44% possession and 230 accurate passes from 306. Defensa also posted the higher expected-goals figure, 1.10 to 0.50, which aligned with the final result.

Platense nevertheless finished with 13 total shots to Defensa Y Justicia’s 10, although both teams managed only three shots on goal. The visitors also had seven corners to the hosts’ six, while both sides recorded one blocked shot and one offside. Goalkeeper saves were similarly close: Juan Cozzani made two for Platense, and Defensa’s goalkeeper made three.

Late dismissal adds to Platense’s frustration

Discipline became a factor late in the contest. Platense’s P. Ferreira was booked in the 89th minute, received a second yellow card in the 90th, and was then sent off. The visitors had already seen T. Silva and A. Lagos cautioned, while Defensa Y Justicia collected yellow cards for L. Fernandez, S. Sosa and C. Perez. Platense committed 14 fouls to Defensa’s 10.

Three points strengthen Defensa’s position

Defensa Y Justicia entered the match fourth in Clausura Group A with 11 points from six games, a record of three wins, two draws and one defeat. The victory takes Mariano Soso’s side to 14 points after seven matches. Platense, coached by Martin Palermo, started 10th with eight points from six games and now remains on eight points after seven. The result adds another win to Defensa’s recent form and a defeat to Platense’s sequence.

Martínez was the standout performer, earning an 8.3 rating after playing 96 minutes and scoring the winner. Valentín Loza also impressed with five tackles and a 7.3 rating, helping Defensa protect its lead through the closing stages.