Ronaldo Martinez’s three goals drive Velez Sarsfield’s 5-0 win

Central Cordoba de Santiago lost 0-5 to Velez Sarsfield in Liga Profesional Argentina, with Velez leading 2-0 at half-time. Ronaldo Martinez scored three of Velez’s five goals, turning a strong team display into a one-sided result at Estadio Alfredo Terrera.

Martinez sets the tone

Velez took the lead in the 7th minute when Matías Pellegrini scored the opener, assisted by Ronaldo Martinez, to make it 0-1. Martinez then scored in the 21st minute for 0-2, giving the visitors control before the interval.

Martinez completed his three-goal contribution in the 58th minute, converting Juan Cruz Policella’s assist for 0-3. Lucas Robertone added Velez’s fourth in the 61st minute, and Martinez scored the last goal from a penalty in the 83rd minute for 0-5.

His match rating of 9.4 was the highest recorded for either team. Martinez played 84 minutes, registered four shots on target and supplied one assist alongside his three goals.

Velez’s control reflected in the numbers

The scoreline matched Velez’s attacking superiority. They recorded 22 total shots to Central Cordoba’s 12, including nine shots on goal to two, while their expected-goals figure was 3.29 compared with Central Cordoba’s 0.65. Velez also held 55% possession and completed 375 accurate passes; Central Cordoba had 45% possession and 286 accurate passes.

Alejandro Maciel was sent off for Central Cordoba in the 82nd minute. Rodrigo Aliendro also received a red card for Velez in the 87th minute.

Updated Clausura picture

Central Cordoba remained provisionally #14 in Clausura - Group A with 10 points after 14 games. Velez moved to 27 points after 14 games and were level on points with two other teams, so their position depended on tie-breakers. Instituto Cordoba led provisionally with 29 points; Velez trailed by 2, while Central Cordoba trailed by 19.