Godoy Cruz Advances to Primera Division Promotion Final

Godoy Cruz secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Almirante Brown at the close of the 36th round in the Primera Nacional, earning a place in the championship final for promotion to the Primera División. The team from Mendoza entered the match needing a win alongside favorable results elsewhere, and both objectives materialized during a tense conclusion to the regular season.

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute courtesy of Martín Pino, but Godoy Cruz failed to capitalize on its chances during the first half. The missed opportunities nearly proved costly when goalkeeper Bruno Galván saved a penalty kick taken by Diego Viera, keeping Almirante Brown within striking distance.

Almirante Brown found an equalizer late in the match, a development that momentarily threatened to eliminate the hosts from title contention. However, a decisive goal scored during stoppage time completely altered the standings and secured the necessary victory for Godoy Cruz.

The qualification was also shaped by events at Estudiantes de Caseros, where Ferro played to a scoreless draw against Acassuso. That result left Godoy Cruz and Ferro tied with 66 points apiece, but Godoy Cruz claimed the top spot in Zona A thanks to a superior goal differential of plus-20 compared to plus-7.

Following the dramatic finish, Godoy Cruz head coach Pablo De Muner emphasized the collective nature of the achievement during a press conference. He noted that the team's strong finish to the season was the result of a shared effort throughout the entire organization.

“This final is the merit of everyone at Godoy Cruz,” stated De Muner, attributing the success to a joint effort involving the players, the supporters, and the entire club community. The manager stressed that group unity and fan backing proved vital during the most demanding phase of the competition.

With the first stage concluded, Godoy Cruz will now face Tristán Suárez in the promotion final. Tristán Suárez secured the top position in Zona B after playing to a scoreless draw against Deportivo Maipú.

As the club prepares for the upcoming decisive encounter, De Muner acknowledged that the margin for error will be minimal, yet expressed confidence in his squad's preparation. “Now we have only one step left to achieve the goal dreamed of by everyone,” the coach concluded.