López's Double Fires Argentinos Juniors to Victory Over Vélez Sarsfield

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Argentinos Juniors delivered a clinical away performance, defeating Vélez Sarsfield 2-0 at the José Amalfitani Stadium on Saturday. A second-half brace from Hernán López proved the difference as the visitors capitalized on lightning-quick counterattacks to silence the home crowd.

The opening half was marked by physical play rather than clear-cut chances, with referee discipline tested early when Jano Gordon entered the book just four minutes into the match. Francisco Álvarez joined him with a yellow card in the 24th minute as both sides struggled to establish rhythm in a tense, tactical battle.

The match burst into life shortly after the break when Argentinos Juniors made a tactical adjustment that paid immediate dividends. In the 58th minute, López broke the deadlock with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box that nestled into the bottom left corner. Federico Fattori provided the assist following a rapid counterattack that caught Vélez's defense in disarray.

The home side barely had time to regroup before López doubled Argentinos Juniors' advantage just four minutes later. This time, it was Tomás Molina who threaded a perfect through ball for López, who finished clinically from the center of the box. Once again, the goal came from a fast break, exposing Vélez's vulnerability when pushing forward in search of an equalizer.

Frustration mounted for the hosts as the match progressed, evidenced by a flurry of yellow cards. Álvaro Montero was cautioned in the 60th minute, followed by Agustín Bouzat in the 66th. The final stages saw tempers flare with three more bookings in quick succession – Gabriel Florentín in the 84th minute, and both Aaron Quirós and Federico Fattori two minutes later.

Vélez Sarsfield tried to find a way back into the contest with increased pressure, but Argentinos Juniors' defensive organization remained resolute throughout. The visitors made strategic substitutions to preserve their advantage, bringing on fresh legs with Ismael Sosa replacing goal-assist provider Tomás Molina in the 80th minute, followed by Lucas Gómez taking Nicolás Oroz's place in the closing stages. The away side's game management proved effective as they secured a valuable three points, rewarding their traveling supporters with a memorable victory in one of Argentine football's most iconic venues.