If Lanús do manage to catch River Plate and claim the Torneo Transición title then we may well look back on Friday evening’s match with Arsenal as a significant moment in the race. Trailing deep into what was already a generous amount of stoppage time, Diego González smashed in an equaliser and as Arsenal manager, Martín Palermo and his players fumed, referee Andrés Merlos decided to add an additional four minutes. When the game got underway, in the ninth minute of added time, Lanús found the winner. With the ball bobbling around the Arsenal penalty box, Silvio Romero appeared to handle the ball and eventually it fell to Lautaro Acosta and he fired in the dramatic winner.
When Silvio Romero put Lanús in front after just seven minutes it was hard to imagine the game would unfold the way it did. Given their home record and Arsenal’s woeful away record, few would have bet against Lanús on cutting the gap to River to just a point and although this was proved correct, a huge helping hand from the officials was needed.
Brahain Alemán brought Arsenal level shortly after falling behind with an excellent long range strike and before the half hour, Palermo’s side led when Ramiro Carrera’s angled drive flew past Agustín Marchesin.
Time appeared to have run out for Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s title hopefuls but a corner in the fifth minute of added time was not dealt with and González arrived at the back post to slam in the equaliser and set in motion the incredible final few minutes.
With Arsenal still reeling from the injustice, Lanús pushed forward again and with over 99 minutes on the clock, Acosta found the winner. Romero’s chest control was aided by the use of his arms and as young Esteban Andrade tried to scramble the ball away, Acosta was on hand to rifle the ball into the net.
Lanús claimed what is a vital win in the title race but Arsenal have every right to feel aggrieved by the result.
golazo argentino 