It’s for a very good reason that Jorge Sampaoli got Sebastián Beccacece straight on the phone when assembling his Argentina coaching team and despite the blip on his CV when in charge of Universidad de Chile, the 36-year-old has been sensational since taking charge of Defensa y Justicia.

After leading El Halcón back into the 2018 Copa Sudamericana, with a second half of the season that more resembled title challenging form, Beccacece bid farewell to Florencio Varela on Wednesday evening with victory over Chapecoense in the 2017 Sudamericana.

A close game of few real chances swung in favour of the home side when the Brazilians had Andrei Girotto sent off shortly after half time but when it looked as though Chapecoense would cling on for a valuable first leg draw, Defensa y Justicia snatched victory.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Jonás Gutiérrez swung in a cross from the left and Nicolás Stefanelli headed into the bottom corner.

The second leg in Chapecó is not until July 25th but if Defensa y Justicia can avoid defeat then a last 16 clash against either Palestino or Flamengo awaits.