CA Platense and San Martín San Juan shared the spoils in a tightly contested Copa Argentina second-round tie at the Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López on May 14, 2026, with neither side able to find the back of the net after 90 minutes. The 0-0 draw means the match will be decided by a penalty shootout, adding a dramatic layer to the knockout competition.

Match Overview: Defensive Solidity Prevails

Both teams approached the cup tie with caution, aware that a single mistake could end their tournament journey. Platense, playing on home soil in front of a passionate crowd, started brightly and dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes. However, San Martín, a strong second-tier side, grew into the game and created the clearer chances in the first half.

The best opportunity of the opening period fell to San Martín’s striker Franco Cristaldo in the 25th minute. A quick break down the right flank saw a cross pick out Cristaldo unmarked six yards out, but his header was expertly saved by Platense goalkeeper Marcos Ledesma, who reacted brilliantly to push the ball onto the post.

Tactical Story: Midfield Battle and Stifled Attacks

Platense manager Sebastián Battaglia set up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to press high and force turnovers. However, San Martín’s midfield trio of Matías Sánchez, Lautaro Ríos, and Iván Bella proved adept at circulating the ball under pressure, limiting Platense’s counter-attacking opportunities.

• Set-piece threat: Both sides had limited success from dead balls. Platense centre-back Gonzalo Asís headed over from a corner in the 53rd minute.
• Second-half fatigue: As the game wore on, chances dried up. The heat and humidity in Buenos Aires contributed to a slower tempo after the hour mark.
• Goalkeeping consistency: Ledesma and San Martín’s Luis Ojeda remained alert, with Ojeda making a sharp save from a long-range Ramiro González effort in the 71st minute.

Key Moments

• 25' – Ledesma double save: The Platense keeper denied Cristaldo’s header and then scrambled to block the rebound from Emanuel Dening.
• 39' – Platense penalty shout: Aerial challenge in the box on Iván Gómez was waved away by referee Fernando Espinoza after VAR check.
• 78' – San Martín hit the crossbar: A whipped free kick from Sánchez clipped the woodwork, leaving Ledesma stranded.
• 90+3' – Final chance: A speculative volley from Platense substitute Juan Ignacio Nardoni flew just wide.

Standout Performers

Marcos Ledesma (Platense): The veteran goalkeeper was the man of the match, making four crucial saves to keep a clean sheet. His reflexes in the first half kept his side in the tie.

Matías Sánchez (San Martín): The midfield anchor completed 89% of his passes and won five tackles, providing a solid platform for his team’s attacking forays.

Luis Ojeda (San Martín): The opposing keeper was equally impressive, with a composed performance under pressure from Platense’s late surges.

What’s Next: Penalties Await

With no extra time in the Copa Argentina second round – matches go straight to penalties after 90 minutes – both teams now face a nerve-wracking shootout to decide who advances. Platense will hope home support gives them an edge from 12 yards, while San Martín will back their ability to stay calm under pressure.

The winner will advance to face either Banfield or Aldosivi in the third round, making this a pivotal moment for both clubs as they chase silverware in Argentina’s oldest national cup competition.