Estudiantes were still in the title race until not that long ago and remain firmly in the race for Copa Libertadores qualification but Sunday’s defeat to Federal B side Pacífico in the Copa Argentina has led to manager Nelson Vivas either resigning or being fired depending on whether you believe the club or Vivas.
El Pincha found themselves two-down inside 20 minutes after Federico Amaya’s header and Ivo Hongn’s scrambled finish but when Juan Otero swiftly reduced the deficit, the Primera side looked more than capable of turning the tie round.
However, more woeful defending just after half time allowed Maxi Montiveros to slot in a third and although Lucas Rodríguez pulled one back ten minutes from time, Pacífico held on for a famous victory.
The club from Argentina’s fourth tier will play either San Martin or Atlanta in the last 32 but it’s the end of the road for Vivas in La Plata. Estudiantes released a statement on Monday to confirm the fiery coach’s resignation but Vivas has since contested that and claimed he was fired. Either way, El Pincha will see out the season with Lucar Nardi as interim coach but don’t be surprised to see Martín Palermo in line for a return, after the 43-year-old admitted it was his dream.
A little later in Unión’s Estadio 15 de Abril, Newell’s Old Boys booked their place in the next round with a 4-1 win over Central Norte.
Despite Enzo Vargas cancelling out Ignacio Scocco’s early opener for the Federal B side, La Lepra comfortably pulled away after half time. Sebastián Domínguez, Scocco from the penalty spot and Jalil Elias wrapped up the win to set up a last 32 clash with either Godoy Cruz or Santamarina.
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