Central Norte Salta and Deportivo Madryn served up a five-goal thriller in the ARG Primera Nacional on May 11, 2026, with the visitors emerging 3-2 winners in a match that swung dramatically late. The result at the Estadio Doctor Roberto Padilla left home fans heartbroken after their side had fought back from two goals down only to concede a late winner.

Match Overview

Deportivo Madryn started brightly and raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first 25 minutes, but Central Norte showed character to level before half-time. The second half was tense, with both teams pushing for a winner. It came in the 87th minute when Madryn struck on the counter, securing three vital points on the road.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Deportivo Madryn’s winger, Lucas Fernández, cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner.
• 24th minute: A defensive lapse allowed forward Matías Roldán to double the lead with a simple tap-in.
• 34th minute: Central Norte pulled one back through a header from captain Juan Cruz after a corner.
• 45+2 minute: A stunning free-kick from midfielder Emiliano Gómez equalized just before the break.
• 87th minute: Substitute Tomás Acosta raced onto a long ball and finished coolly to win it for Madryn.

Tactical Story

Deportivo Madryn’s early high press caught Central Norte off guard, forcing errors deep in the home half. Central Norte adjusted by dropping deeper and using long balls to bypass the press, which worked in the lead-up to their first goal. In the second half, the match became more open, with both sides committing numbers forward. Madryn’s discipline on the counter proved decisive.

Standout Players

Tomás Acosta (Deportivo Madryn) came off the bench to score the winner and changed the game with his pace. Emiliano Gómez (Central Norte) was outstanding in midfield, scoring a superb free-kick and nearly adding a second. For Madryn, defender Federico López made several crucial clearances under pressure.

Impact on the Standings

The win moved Deportivo Madryn into mid-table, while Central Norte remained just outside the playoff spots. The defeat was a blow for the home side, who had hoped to build on a recent run of good form. Both teams now face crucial fixtures in the next round.