Patronato Secures Primera Nacional Status After Draw Against Atlético Rafaela

Patronato secured its continuity in the Primera Nacional after playing to a 0-0 draw against Atlético Rafaela at the Monumental Stadium in Rafaela. Guided by manager Marcelo Fuentes, the squad reached 38 points in the standings, narrowly escaping the drop zone and maintaining their place in the second tier of Argentine football for the upcoming season.

The match carried immense tension as Patronato entered the final fixture tied on 37 units with Nueva Chicago. Throughout the first half, the visiting side generated several scoring opportunities through Renzo Reynaga, Brandon Cortés, and Gonzalo Salega, but struggled with offensive efficiency. Atlético Rafaela goalkeeper Leonel Bergia delivered a standout performance, neutralizing multiple attempts to keep the score level.

The second half proved much more challenging for Patronato, as the team struggled to sustain its attacking pressure while the hosts grew increasingly dangerous. Despite controlling possession for stretches, Rafaela could not break through the defense marshaled by goalkeeper Alan Sosa and his backline.

Crucial assistance arrived from Villa Maipú, where Chacarita Juniors defeated Nueva Chicago 2-0. That outcome directly influenced the relegation battle, giving Patronato a vital cushion in the overall standings as the final minutes ticked away.

In the dying moments of the encounter, Atlético Rafaela nearly altered the outcome when Juan Ignacio Cavallaro fired a shot that struck the goalpost, narrowly missing a late winner that would have forced a tiebreaker match. The rebound allowed Patronato to breathe a sigh of relief as the final whistle confirmed the scoreless draw.

The survival concluded a difficult campaign plagued by scoring difficulties and tight margins. Following the match, the club shared an emotional message and a photograph from the visiting locker room on social media to mark the relief of securing their category status.

With the threat of relegation finally lifted, Patronato will begin preparations for the 2027 tournament, aiming to address structural shortcomings and avoid another year of suffering in the lower reaches of the table.