Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 at Centenario Stadium, avenging their previous La Bombonera loss. Thiago Almada’s brilliant second-half strike secured the win for the World Champions.
Uruguay started aggressively. They pressed high and disrupted Argentina’s build-up play. Rodrigo Bentancur controlled the midfield early for Marcelo Bielsa’s squad. Despite dominating possession, Uruguay created few clear chances.
Maximiliano Araújo threatened down the left wing first. Argentina countered quickly with Enzo Fernández forcing a save from Sergio Rochet. Uruguay responded when Giorgian De Arrascaeta fired from distance, but Emiliano Martínez saved comfortably.
Argentina grew into the match before halftime. Giovanni Simeone nearly scored from a tight angle after a well-worked move. Rochet made an excellent save. José María Giménez then made a crucial block to deny Fernández from a rebound.
The second half saw more attacking intent from both sides. Almada tested Rochet with a dangerous shot. Federico Valverde responded with a bouncing effort that Martínez handled well.
Rochet made two more critical saves in the 61st minute. He stopped Simeone’s low drive and denied Almada in a one-on-one situation.
Almada broke through in the 68th minute. He curled a spectacular shot into the top corner beyond Rochet’s reach for the decisive 1-0 lead.
The goal changed the game’s dynamics. Uruguay pushed forward desperately. Bielsa introduced Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas, and Brian Rodríguez to strengthen his attack. Despite these changes, Argentina’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
