Deportivo Camioneros 3-2 Argentino de Merlo: Late Winner Settles Five-Goal Thriller

Deportivo Camioneros edged Argentino de Merlo 3-2 in an entertaining Argentine Group B fixture on 18 October 2026, with a late goal deciding a contest that had repeatedly shifted momentum. The home side’s willingness to attack down the flanks and press high was rewarded with three points, while Merlo left with credit for a spirited comeback that ultimately fell just short.

Match overview

Camioneros made the brighter start and were ahead in the 14th minute when Lucas Ferreyra met a low cross from the right and guided the ball beyond the goalkeeper. The lead lasted only 13 minutes, as Argentino de Merlo responded through Franco Álvarez, whose composed finish capped a quick transition through midfield.

The hosts restored their advantage six minutes before half-time. Nicolás Cabrera arrived late in the box to convert a loose ball after a corner had been only partially cleared, giving Camioneros a 2-1 cushion at the interval. Merlo, however, refused to fade and equalised again in the 72nd minute when Álvarez scored his second of the night, finishing neatly after a well-worked move down the left.

With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Camioneros found one final moment. Tomás Ibarra struck the winner in the 86th minute, reacting fastest to a rebound inside the area and lifting the ball into the roof of the net to spark loud celebrations around the ground.

Key moments

• 14' – Goal, Camioneros: Lucas Ferreyra converts from close range after a dangerous right-sided delivery.
• 27' – Goal, Merlo: Franco Álvarez equalises with a calm finish at the end of a fast break.
• 39' – Goal, Camioneros: Nicolás Cabrera pounces on a half-cleared corner to restore the lead.
• 72' – Goal, Merlo: Álvarez scores again, finishing off a flowing move down the left.
• 86' – Goal, Camioneros: Tomás Ibarra reacts quickest to a rebound and seals the win.

Tactical story

Camioneros were aggressive without the ball and tried to force Merlo into hurried clearances. Their midfield pushed high, allowing the full-backs to advance and create overloads in wide areas. That approach produced chances but also left space behind for Merlo’s counter-attacks, which became increasingly dangerous as the second half opened up.

Merlo’s best spells came when they bypassed the first line of pressure with direct passes into the channels. Álvarez’s movement caused problems throughout, and his two goals underlined how effective the visitors were in transition. In the end, though, Camioneros’ greater urgency in the final minutes made the difference, with Ibarra’s late strike rewarding their persistence.

Standout performers

Álvarez was Merlo’s most influential player, scoring twice and constantly stretching the home defence. For Camioneros, Ferreyra’s early goal set the tone, while Cabrera’s energy in midfield helped the hosts maintain control during key moments. Ibarra will take the headlines for the winner, but the home side’s overall attacking intent was the foundation of the result.

What the result means

The victory gives Camioneros an important boost in the Group B standings and reinforces their ability to win close, high-scoring games. For Argentino de Merlo, the performance offered plenty of encouragement, especially going forward, but the late concession highlighted the fine margins that can decide tight league matches. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round, with Camioneros looking to build momentum and Merlo eager to turn spirited displays into points.