Pedro Fernández saves Círculo Deportivo from Federal A relegation

Early Breakthrough and Sol de Mayo Response

The match began ideally for Duilio Botella’s side. Just seven minutes into the contest, Roberto Bassani broke down the left flank and delivered a precise backward pass for Vicente Barberini, who finished with composure past the advancing goalkeeper to put Círculo ahead 1–0.

Rather than build on the advantage, the team from Otamendi yielded the initiative. Sol de Mayo seized control of possession, utilizing aerial attacks and an effective partnership between Tamir Ortiz and Joaquín Solaliga. Diego Zalazar missed the target with an early effort, and Fernández turned away a dangerous shot from Héctor Morales, who had been set up by Gabriel Otero. At the other end, Facundo Rojas nearly capitalized on a cross by beating the opposing goalkeeper to the ball, but failed to direct his header on target.

The Equalizer and Extra-Time Stalemate

Círculo held its ground through the early stages of the second half, relying on short spells of possession and an outside-the-box attempt from Bassani that drifted wide. However, the pressure from the Viedma outfit eventually paid off in the 70th minute.

Following a free kick from the right side, a scramble broke out at the far post. The ball fell loose in the goalmouth, allowing Héctor Gabriel Morales to react quickest and poke it home to level the score at 1–1. Both sides pushed for a winner before regulation ended, with Círculo substitute Braian Banchio missing wide with a left-footed strike.

In extra time, Círculo pressed forward against a visibly tiring opponent. In the 11th minute of the first extra period, substitute Enzo Campagnaro met a knockdown from fellow substitute Imanol Iriberri with a sharp left-footed volley, only for Sol de Mayo goalkeeper Leonardo Torres to make a stellar reaction save. Late in the second extra period, a swift counter-attack left Sol de Mayo’s Lucas Quillen through on goal, but after rounding the goalkeeper, his cutback pass found Dietz, who fired wide of the mark.

Fernández Seals Survival in Penalty Shootout

With the score locked at 1–1 after 120 minutes, the fixture proceeded to a penalty shootout to decide which club would avoid relegation. Pedro Fernández delivered a historic performance under pressure, blocking all four attempts launched by Sol de Mayo players Fernando Valdebenito, Santiago Pérez, Fabio Giménez, and Dietz.

For Círculo, Jano Martínez and Francisco Grahl successfully converted from the spot, while Torres saved a kick from Barberini. The flawless defensive work from Fernández secured the 2–0 shootout triumph, keeping Círculo Deportivo in the Federal A division.