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Godoy Cruz Advances to the Primera Nacional Final Following Dramatic Win

Pablo de Muner praised his squad's resilience after a stoppage-time goal secured their spot in the championship match.

By 2 min read

Godoy Cruz secured a dramatic victory over Almirante Brown to advance to the final of Argentina's Primera Nacional, fueled by a decisive stoppage-time header from captain Diego Viera at the Estadio Feliciano Gambarte. The thrilling finish sparked wild celebrations among supporters and cemented the team's place in the championship match after a demanding season of reconstruction and hard work.

Head coach Pablo de Muner expressed immense pride in his players following the hard-fought triumph, emphasizing the collective effort, tactical identity, and humility that carried the club through challenging moments. While acknowledging the significance of the achievement, the manager stressed that the team must quickly refocus on the ultimate objective.

"We are happy, very content with this group, because it adopted the posture of work and I think that is what brought us here. It is no coincidence, we achieved it together and we still have one step left," De Muner stated, visibly emotional as he reflected on the journey to the final stage.

The match carried immense tension until the final whistle. Godoy Cruz appeared headed for victory until Pedro Velurtas scored a dramatic equalizer for the visitors in the 90th minute, threatening to dash the hosts' championship hopes. However, just a minute later, Viera rose to meet a cross and delivered the winning header to restore the lead.

Reflecting on the sudden shift in momentum, De Muner admitted that conceding the late equalizer felt like a heavy blow. Nevertheless, he praised the mental fortitude and maturity of his players, noting that the adversity they faced throughout the year ultimately prepared them for high-pressure situations.

"The draw was a heavy blow. We could have finished the match, but we could not do it. However, there is some mysticism in all of this. If there was someone who needed to score a goal, it was the captain, Diego Viera. Football is this: not lowering your arms and playing until the end," the coach explained, highlighting the physical, tactical, and mental preparation behind the play.

With a few days before the championship match, Godoy Cruz plans to utilize the time to rest players and prepare meticulously for the final challenge. The team enters the decisive phase without suspensions or major setbacks, maintaining high morale as they pursue promotion back to the top flight of Argentine football.

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