Argentinos Juniors fight back to edge Sarmiento 3-2 on Clausura 2026 opener

Argentinos Juniors came from behind to beat Sarmiento 3-2 on July 25 in Junín on the opening matchday of the Clausura 2026. The La Paternal side, coached by Nicolás Diez, scored three second-half goals to claim three crucial points in Group B.

How the game unfolded

Sarmiento started brightly. Junior Marabel put the hosts ahead in the 30th minute after a chest control from Pablo Magnin and a low finish. The home side controlled the game in the first half and looked dangerous on the counter.

But Argentinos Juniors responded immediately in the second period. Alan Lescano equalized inside two minutes with an audacious overhead kick after a high ball. Ten minutes later, the midfielder nearly made it 2-1 when his first shot was saved by Arboleda, but Sebastián Prieto pounced on the rebound to restore parity.

Sarmiento struck back. Renzo Orihuela headed in from a Zabala cross in the 23rd minute. The visitors kept pushing, and in the 45+2 minute, Diego Porcel rounded the keeper after a run down the left to make it 3-2 and seal the win.

Why this win matters for Argentinos Juniors

The victory lifts Argentinos Juniors to second place on the annual table with three points, just one behind the leaders. The La Paternal side has started the Clausura 2026 strongly after a promising start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Sarmiento remain in the bottom half of the annual standings with an average of 0.989, the worst among teams split over three seasons. Facundo Sava’s side stays 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

What’s next for Argentinos Juniors?

Nicolás Diez will need to manage Porcel’s fitness after the forward was booked for removing his shirt following the third goal. Argentinos Juniors now turn their attention to their next Clausura 2026 fixture as they aim to keep pace with the title contenders.

The 'Bicho' showed character in Junín and now eyes consolidation as a title challenger. With Lescano and Prieto in fine form, the team carries momentum into the next round of fixtures.