Historic Night at Estadio Norberto Tomaghello
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Deportivo Riestra achieved a victory that will forever be etched in the club's history. At the Norberto Tomaghello Stadium in Florencio Varela (Buenos Aires province), the team from Bajo Flores drew 1-1 with Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata in regulation time, then triumphed 4-2 on penalties, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina.
Match Development
The match started with an intense Riestra side that surprised the Lobo (Gimnasia's nickname). At minute 26, Nicolás Benegas scored a goal that was disallowed by VAR – which made its debut in this stage of the cup – for offside in the build-up. But the striker didn't give up: at minute 38, he rose with a perfect header to the far post, beating Harlen Castillo to make it 1-0 for the Malevo.
Gimnasia responded in the second half. At minute 9 of the second half, Mateo Seoane capitalized on a cross from Mariano Bracamonte and fired a well-taken shot to equalize at 1-1. The game became tight, with few clear chances and a tense ending that included the dismissal of Augusto Max (Gimnasia) four minutes from time, following a VAR review.
Penalty Shootout: Malevo's Precision and Lobo's Errors
With the draw, the tie was decided from the spot. Riestra was flawless: Nicolás Benegas, Facundo Miño, Tomás González and Milton Céliz all converted. For Gimnasia, Ignacio Fernández and Lucas Janson scored, but Agustín Auzmendi saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Marino Arzamendia – the night's hero – and Agustín Colazo sent his effort wide. The 4-2 final score sparked wild celebrations in Bajo Flores.
Penalty Shootout Details
| Order | Riestra | Gimnasia |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Benegas ✅ | Fernández ✅ |
| 2nd | Miño ✅ | Janson ✅ |
| 3rd | González ✅ | Auzmendi ❌ (saved) |
| 4th | Céliz ✅ | Colazo ❌ (missed) |
Harlen Castillo's Debut in Goal for Gimnasia
One of the highlights was the debut of Colombian goalkeeper Harlen Castillo, who arrived as a new signing. Castillo had a solid performance, showing good reflexes and handling, and was key in keeping his team in the game. He had no fault in Benegas's goal, as the header struck the post and went in. However, in the shootout, he failed to save any of the four penalties he faced.
A Historic Path
With this qualification, Riestra reaches the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina for the first time in its history. The team, managed by Guillermo Duró, had already eliminated San Lorenzo in the previous round, also on penalties. According to tournament data, the Malevo has won nine of its twelve penalty shootouts in the competition.
Now, the Bajo Flores outfit awaits the winner of the clash between Banfield and Ferrocarril Midland, played the same day. In that match, Banfield also advanced on penalties (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes, so they will be Riestra's opponent in the quarterfinals.
The Other Side: Gimnasia's Elimination
For Gimnasia La Plata, the defeat is a heavy blow. The team, under coach Pata Pereyra, failed to bounce back from their loss in the clásico against Estudiantes and saw one of their main season objectives slip away. The Lobo's supporters, present in Varela, expressed their displeasure with chants directed at players and management. Additionally, the coach and players declined to speak to the media after the match.
Sources: Rosario3 | ESPN | Infocielo | Copa Argentina