Banfield advanced on penalties and now awaits a semifinal opponent
El Taladro knocked out Riestra after a marathon shootout from the spot and became the first team to book a place among the last four in the Copa Argentina. Now it waits for Racing or Boca, although that tie is still subject to what the Tribunal decides about the clash with Vélez.
Banfield took a huge step in the Copa Argentina. After drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes, it beat Riestra 7-6 on penalties and reached the semifinals of the national tournament.
El Taladro were the first to secure their place among the four best. And that already puts them in an unbeatable position: they are now waiting for their next opponent in a stage that always carries more weight and is beginning to smell like a major final.
A hard-fought qualification and a tense finish
The tie was one of those that allowed no distractions. Banfield and Riestra finished level in regulation time and had to go to the shootout, where the side from the South were more accurate to claim a victory that is worth a great deal.
- Banfield drew 1-1 with Riestra.
- The tie was decided on penalties: 7-6.
- El Taladro became the first semifinalist in the Copa Argentina.
This was no decorative qualification. It was one of those that change a squad's mood, that provide a boost in the final stretch, and that feed the dream of competing for a major title.
The opponent is still not set
Now Banfield is keeping one eye on what happens in the other bracket. Under the current outlook, their opponent will come from Racing vs. Boca, although that clash is contingent on what the Tribunal may decide regarding the winner against Vélez.
That's the key. The bracket could still shift, which is why Banfield prefer to wait before doing any final math. What is certain, for now, is that El Taladro are already in and the others are still fighting to join them.
The Copa Argentina is entering a hot zone
Banfield's qualification puts pressure on the entire bracket. When one team reaches the semifinals first, it forces everyone else to look at the draw with greater intensity. There is no room left for too much speculation: every match begins to count double.
In this context, Banfield did its part. It won an uncomfortable tie, weathered the blow of the equalizer and ended up celebrating from the penalty spot. Now it waits. And it waits with the big prize on the table: continuing to dream of the Copa.
