Union Santa Fe turn nine shots into a 3-2 win over Instituto Cordoba

Union Santa Fe defeated Instituto Cordoba 3-2 at Estadio 15 de Abril, recovering from an early setback to claim all three points in Liga Profesional Argentina’s Clausura - 8. The hosts led 2-1 shortly after half-time and added a third before Instituto’s late response, with the match finishing amid red cards for both sides.

Early exchange and a quick response

Instituto took the lead in the 13th minute when Leonel Mosevich finished a move assisted by Alex Luna. Union answered in the 25th minute, as Brahian Cuello converted after being set up by Juan Pintado. The teams therefore went into the interval level at 1-1, with the opening half producing one goal for each side.

Union moved in front three minutes after the restart. Cuello turned provider for Cristian Tarragona, who scored in the 48th minute to make it 2-1. The hosts then extended their advantage in the 74th minute, when substitute Misael Aguirre found the net following Lucas Menossi’s assist. Instituto reduced the deficit in the 87th minute through Hernán De La Fuente, assisted by Luna, but Union held on for the 3-2 win.

Instituto had more of the ball

The scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of possession. Instituto controlled 57% of the ball and completed 309 accurate passes from 408, compared with Union’s 223 accurate passes from 313. Instituto also registered more total shots, 11 to nine, and won seven corners while Union had two.

Union were more effective with their attempts, however. They recorded four shots on goal to Instituto’s two, while Instituto had six shots off goal and Union four. The hosts’ four efforts on target produced three goals, and goalkeeper saves were recorded as one for Instituto and none for Union. Union also committed six fouls to Instituto’s 12.

Late discipline shapes the finish

The match included yellow cards for Emilio Giaccone, Fernando Alarcon, Matías Gallardo, Alex Luna and Facundo Ezquel Suarez. The closing moments became particularly disruptive: Tarragona was sent off in the 90th minute for Union, while Gallardo also received a red card for Instituto in the same minute.

Table impact and standout performer

Union began the round eighth in Clausura Group A with 10 points from seven matches, and this victory takes them to 13 points after eight. Instituto entered third with 16 points from seven; despite the defeat, they remain on 16 points after eight matches. The result follows Union’s most recent pre-match draw and Instituto’s most recent pre-match loss.

Cuello was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after scoring once and assisting once in 70 minutes. His contribution directly influenced two of Union’s three goals, while Aguirre made an immediate impact with a goal in 20 minutes.