Tigre’s 2-1 win rests on first-half efficiency despite Central’s possession

Tigre defeated Central Cordoba de Santiago 2-1 at Estadio Jose Dellagiovanna in the sixth round of the Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura. The hosts led 2-0 at half-time after goals from M. Mendez and S. Lopez, before M. Santos reduced the deficit with a penalty in the second half.

Tigre make fast start

Playing in a 4-4-2 under Diego Dabove, Tigre took control of the scoreboard inside six minutes. M. Mendez finished a move assisted by J. Villalba to give the home side an early advantage. Tigre doubled that lead in the 26th minute, when S. Lopez scored after receiving the assist from V. Moreno.

The first half also saw N. Banegas booked for Tigre in the 29th minute. Banegas was replaced by F. Alvarez at the interval, while Central Cordoba, operating in a 3-4-3 under Sebastian Dominguez, introduced M. Iacobellis for T. Cravero.

Central respond after the break

Central Cordoba improved their position in the contest after half-time and were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute. M. Santos converted from the spot to make it 2-1, giving the visitors a route back into the match. A. R. Maciel was booked two minutes later, while Lopez received a yellow card in the 64th minute.

Central made further changes in the 67th minute, with L. Gonzalez replacing L. Sequeira and E. Naya coming on for H. Tijanovich. Tigre responded four minutes later by sending on T. Serrago for J. Saralegui and I. Subiabre for Lopez. I. Peluffo was booked in the 81st minute, and F. Martinez received Central’s late yellow card in the 90th minute.

Statistics show a different balance

Although Tigre held only 40% possession compared with Central Cordoba’s 60%, the hosts produced more attempts, leading 15-12 overall and 11-4 in shots off goal. Tigre also had the stronger expected-goals figure at 2.41 to 1.45. Both teams registered two shots on target, while Central recorded more corners, 5-4, and completed 372 passes at an 83% accuracy rate compared with Tigre’s 218 accurate passes at 71%.

Table impact and standout performer

Tigre entered the round eighth in Clausura Group B with eight points from five matches, while Central Cordoba were 14th in Group A with six points. The win takes Tigre to 11 points after six games; Central remain on six. Tigre’s result also ended a run of mixed recent form that included a draw before the match, while Central came in after a loss.

Valentin Moreno was the standout performer, earning an 8.3 rating. He supplied the assist for Tigre’s second goal, created two key passes and made four tackles in 92 minutes.