Platense Reaches Copa Argentina Final After Penalty Shootout Win Over Atlético Tucumán

Platense advanced to the Copa Argentina final on Wednesday night, defeating Atlético Tucumán 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena in Salta. The victory, secured when Guido Mainero converted the deciding kick from the penalty spot, places the club from Vicente López within one victory of lifting the prestigious national trophy.

Guided by manager Julio César Falcioni, Atlético Tucumán came into the semifinal seeking another trip to the title match, having previously finished as runners-up to River Plate in 2017. The Tucumán side implemented an aggressive pressing game early, disrupting Platense's buildup from the back. That defensive pressure paid off in the 36th minute when left-back Juan Infante pushed forward toward the endline and lofted a cross into the penalty area. Midfielder Renzo Tesuri brought the ball down on his chest, cut inside to create space, and drilled a low, diagonal strike past Platense goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani to open the scoring.

Platense, managed by former Argentine international Martín Palermo, regrouped during the halftime interval and came out with greater attacking intent. Their persistence bore fruit in the 58th minute from a set-piece routine. After an initial adjustment at the corner flag, left-back Tomás Silva took the kick, curling an accurate cross into the six-yard box. Forward Nicolás Retamar met the delivery cleanly, directing a firm header into the net to level the score at 1-1.

Following the equalizer, Platense seized momentum and created several dangerous opportunities to grab a late winner. Midfielder Iván Gómez forced a sharp save from Tucumán goalkeeper Luis Ingolotti, who managed to keep his team level under mounting pressure. Minutes before the final whistle, Retamar sent a dangerous cutback pass into the penalty box toward forward Gonzalo Lencina, but the striker was unable to capitalize on the opening. With neither side able to break the deadlock during regulation, referee Sebastián Zunino blew the final whistle, sending the semifinal straight to penalty kicks.

The shootout proved tense and tightly contested, with both teams converting their initial attempts. Alexis Canelo, Rodrigo Granillo, Clever Ferreira, and Lautaro Godoy all scored from the spot for Atlético Tucumán, while Agustín Lagos, Franco Zapiola, Bruno Sepúlveda, and Ignacio Vázquez answered successfully for Platense. The decisive moment came when Tucumán substitute Gabriel Compagnucci stepped up to take his shot. Compagnucci struck the ball with power but lacked placement, allowing Cozzani to react swiftly, dive correctly, and make the crucial block.

With victory within reach, Mainero stepped up to take the fifth and final kick for Platense. The midfielder calmly beat Ingolotti from twelve yards, sealing the 5-4 shootout triumph and triggering jubilation among Palermo's squad. Cozzani's heroics once again proved indispensable in knockout competition, mirroring previous clutch performances that have anchored Platense's cup runs.

The victory marks another milestone in an impressive period of competitive success for Platense. After capturing the Torneo Apertura title against Huracán and appearing in high-profile finals like the Trofeo de Campeones against Estudiantes, the Vicente López club has established itself as a formidable tournament contender across Argentine soccer.

Platense will now await their opponent in the tournament final, which will be determined when Boca Juniors and Banfield square off in the other semifinal. That upcoming clash, slated for November 14, will complete the bracket and establish who will face Palermo's squad for the Copa Argentina crown.