This victory is dedicated to my friend MICAELA CAPPONI who is a big fan of Gimnasia de La Plata.

If the result of a game were to be determined based upon the team’s roster and previous results then Estudiantes would have clearly been the winner, but games last 90 minutes and have to be played.

Both teams came into this game with a different standing, Gimnasia needs every point to avoid relegation and remain on the first division. On the other side, Estudiantes, one of the most regular and effective clubs in the league, just returned from losing the finals of the club world cup to F.C. Barcelona, they are making a fine run in the league and will begin the Copa Libertadores next week.

This could also Mauro Boselli's last derby before he is transferred to the EPL.

The game was played at “El Bosque”, home of Gimnasia LP. Due to the incidents from their last encounter, there were no away fans. The field was packed with home fans despite the weather.

The game started fairly even, with Gimnasia and Estudiantes alternating chances in attack. Gimnasia broke the seal in the 45^th minute of the first half, when Denis Stracqualursi headed a cross that came from the left wing, and placed the ball right to the near post where Agustin Orion could not reach it.

The second half began with Gimnasia dominating the game, with a brilliant Marco Perez. The Colombian striker’s speed and power made him lethal. In the 24^th minute of the second half Marco Perez was brought down for a penalty kick. Denis Stracqualursi took the shot, but was deflected by Orion who at this time was becoming a key player on Estudiantes. But he held his head up high, and just 10 minutes later he put Gimnasia 2 goals up.

Estudiantes didn’t give up and pushed all their players into Gimnasia’s end. In the 43^rd minute of the second half, Gimnasia couldn’t clear a ball in the midfield, which was stolen by Estudiantes and Veron with all his class scored the first goal for Estudiantes. You could see the nerves on the players faces, and their actions said it too.

Gaston Sessa became a hero after stopping two one on ones and giving his team hope. When the game was almost over, Cuevas sealed the game for Gimnasia when Agustin Orion failed to clear the ball and allowed Cuevas to score on an open net.

Gimnasia beat their archrivals after 9 games and 5 years. Their last victory was in 2005, with a 4-1 victory. This game means a lot, not only for the result, but because there are 3 valuable points which will help them remain in the category. The hero of the night Stracqualursi; the foe Agustin Orion. Gimnasia beats Estudiantes and starts dreaming about avoiding relegation.

Later on tonight Boca Juniors will face Lanus, and tomorrow night River Plate will visit Chacarita Juniors in a game that promises to be of high intensity.