Facundo Suárez’s 89th-Minute Winner Sends Instituto Top of Clausura Group A

Facundo Suárez’s Late Goal Keeps Instituto Top

Instituto Córdoba secured a 1-0 victory over Central Córdoba de Santiago in Liga Profesional Argentina’s Clausura Round 5, with Facundo Suárez scoring in the 89th minute at Estadio Alfredo Terrera. The late goal rewarded Instituto’s greater attacking threat and lifted them to the top of Clausura Group A.

Late breakthrough settles a tight contest

Central Córdoba and Instituto produced a closely contested match for long periods, but the decisive opening arrived just before the final whistle. Suárez found the breakthrough in the 89th minute, leaving Central Córdoba no time to respond.

Central Córdoba used a 3-4-1-2 formation under Sebastián Domínguez, while Diego Flores set Instituto up in a 3-4-3. The hosts controlled slightly more of the ball, holding 52% possession, but Instituto’s sharper work in the attacking areas ultimately determined the result.

Instituto creates the clearer chances

Instituto finished with 13 total shots compared with Central Córdoba’s seven and led 6-1 in efforts on target. The visitors also created nine shots from inside the box, more than twice Central Córdoba’s four, while their expected-goals figure stood at 1.49 against 0.56.

The numbers showed the difference between possession and penetration. Central Córdoba completed 437 passes with 81% accuracy and had more of the ball, but Instituto won the corner count 8-4 and forced five saves from Alan Aguerre, whereas the home side did not register a shot that required a save.

Suárez and Aguerre shape the decisive moments

Suárez made his brief appearance count, playing 26 minutes and scoring the only goal of the match. He also registered two shots on target and earned a 7.6 rating, making him the clearest attacking influence in the closing stages.

Aguerre was Central Córdoba’s standout performer despite the defeat, receiving an 8.0 rating after making five saves across his 90 minutes. His work kept the hosts level until the 89th minute, while Instituto’s Fernando Alarcón also impressed with five tackles and a 7.9 rating.

Victory sends Instituto top of Clausura Group A

The result sent Instituto to first place in Clausura Group A with 12 points from five matches, including four wins and one defeat and a goal difference of plus three. Central Córdoba remained 11th on six points, with two wins, three losses and a minus-two goal difference.

Discipline remained relatively controlled, although Instituto’s J. Galván was booked in the 30th minute and Fernando Alarcón followed in the 51st. A. R. Maciel received Central Córdoba’s only yellow card in the 90th minute, with the hosts committing 13 fouls to Instituto’s 10.