Argentinos Juniors kicked off the Clausura with a dramatic 3-2 win over Sarmiento at Eva Perón in Junín. The match, packed with five goals and a late red card, set the tone for the tournament.

What happened in the game?

The La Paternal side had to come from behind twice to secure all three points. Junior Marabel put Sarmiento ahead after 16 minutes with a solo run that left Argentinos' goalkeeper with no chance. The Paraguayan's strike also marked the first goal of the Clausura.

But Argentinos Juniors responded quickly. Alan Lescano equalized after 55 minutes with a curling shot following a pass from Sebastián Prieto. Five minutes later, Prieto headed in from a corner to make it 2-1. Sarmiento drew level again at 70 with a left-footed strike from Orihuela, but the show was far from over.

The winning goal and the controversy

Lucas Porcel struck the winner in the 85th minute with a composed finish. His celebration included removing his shirt, earning him a straight red card. The dismissal did little to dampen Argentinos Juniors' celebrations after securing their opening three points of the Clausura.

The referee for the match was Germán Delfino, who brandished three yellow cards in total. VAR was called into action for Argentinos' first goal to confirm the ball had not gone out before Prieto's cross.

Why this win matters for Argentinos Juniors

The Bicho started the Clausura strongly and now sits on three precious points. Gabriel Heinze's side showed defensive solidity early on and countered effectively in the second half. The victory comes at an ideal moment after a break that allowed tactical refinements.

The three points keep Argentinos Juniors clear of the relegation zone, but consistency remains the challenge. Their next test comes at home against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, a direct rival in the fight to avoid the drop.

What's next for both teams?

Sarmiento, meanwhile, suffered their first setback of the season and must bounce back quickly. The Junín side travel to face Banfield in their next fixture, where they will look to rediscover their rhythm. The loss raises questions about their ability to stay in the upper half of the table.

Argentinos Juniors, on the other hand, face a tough run of fixtures with an eye on the Copa Sudamericana. Heinze's team will aim to build on this performance and push for continental spots while giving key players like Alan Lescano and Sebastián Prieto valuable minutes.