THE CALL OF SAN LORENZO
The Cyclone remains River Plate’s lone escort in the title chase, and even as the distance between them widens, he clings to hope. He needs to verify a likely confrontation with Florencio Sola, a moment that could sharpen the pressure on River Plate’s path to glory.
In the latest round of the Professional League, River’s advantage as the sole pursuer grew from six to eight points on date 15, but San Lorenzo keeps its faith alive. A goalless draw with Defensa y Justicia kept them within striking distance of the leaders, specifically positioning them to pressure the Millionaire, who faces a stern away trip to Talleres. The scenario remains tantalizing for San Lorenzo fans who dream of reclaiming pace at the top, even as the calendar tightens and the season edges toward its critical phase.
To keep the fight alive, San Lorenzo travels to a challenging venue against Banfield, a match that promises intensity as Banfield aims to rebound and as Julio Falcioni eyes a potential return to the substitute bench for a fourth coaching spell. The game is set for Saturday, May 13, kicking off at 6 p.m. local time at Florencio Sola, a ground known for its raucous atmosphere and tricky surface that can disrupt visiting teams late in the season.
THE CALL OF SAN LORENZO
Gallego Insúa began a new training week with the reassuring news that his squad had no fresh casualties after the midweek clash. As is his pattern, he organized a friendly match for players who do not regularly start, a practice that often doubles as a late-season evaluation tool. The friendly ended in a 3–0 victory over Deportivo Español, a result that offered useful minutes and concrete confidence as the squad heads toward a more demanding schedule in the league and potential cup fixtures.
Long-term absences are being managed, with Augustine Giay expected to miss several weeks after joining the Under-20 national team that will compete in the World Cup in the country immediately following Monday’s league clash. The injury-time impact of his absence opens a door for squad reshuffles in upcoming fixtures, and the team is prepared to adapt as necessary to keep the balance intact.
THE FORMATION OF SAN LORENZO
Giay’s absence opens a vacancy on the right flank, a position typically filled by Gonzalo Luján when the young prospect is unavailable. Yet the return to full fitness of Augustine Martegani, who impressed with a strong showing in a recent defensive clash, could create a chance for him to enter the starting lineup, potentially replacing Roca Sánchez. The reshuffle hints at a flexible tactical approach, one that allows Insúa to adjust the lineup to the nuances of the upcoming fixtures and the demand from opponents who vary in style and tempo.
In a plausible starting XI, San Lorenzo could line up with August Battle in goal; a back four consisting of Gaston Hernandez, Federico Gattoni, Rafael Perez, and Gonzalo Luján; a midfield spine built around Jalil Elías, Carlos Sánchez, and Agustín Martegani; with Malcolm Braida supporting Nahuel Barrios, Adam Bareiro, and Andres Vombergar in a front trio. This configuration suggests a balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent, with the possibility of in-match adaptability as the tempo of play dictates changes in formation or personnel.
ALTERNATIVE
To confirm the tactical plan and the exact lineup, further updates are anticipated as the matchday approaches and final training sessions finalize the coach’s decisions. The team remains committed to pressing aggressively when out of possession and maintaining compact lines when defending, a strategy designed to disrupt rivals and create counter-attacking opportunities in the opposition’s half.