Estudiantes defeated Gimnasia 1-0 in the Torneo Clausura semifinal at Estadio Juan Carmelo Zerillo in La Plata, with a goal from Tiago Palacios in the 16th minute of the second half. The match, featuring tensions and yellow cards, propelled Estudiantes to the final against Racing. Incidents occurred before and after the game, including a fan's fall and clashes with police.
The La Plata derby between Gimnasia and Estudiantes took place on December 8, 2025, at Estadio Juan Carmelo Zerillo, with Estudiantes as the away team. The match, part of the second semifinal of the Torneo Clausura in the Liga Profesional, ended 1-0 in favor of the Pincha. The sole goal was scored by Tiago Palacios in the 16th minute of the second half, deciding a closely contested game where Gimnasia held more possession at 53% to Estudiantes' 47% and took more shots on goal (8 vs 7), but failed to score.
The first half ended 0-0, with Gimnasia controlling the ball (56%) and key saves from goalkeepers Nelson Insfrán and Fernando Muslera. A total of six yellow cards were issued: three per team, to players including Alejandro Piedrahita, Nicolás Barros Schelotto, and Juan Pintado for Gimnasia; and Lucas Piovi, Cristian Medina, and Santiago Núñez for Estudiantes. No red cards were shown. Both teams made several substitutions in the second half, such as Pablo Aguiar and Lucas Castro entering for Gimnasia, and Gastón Benedetti and Facundo Rodríguez for Estudiantes.
Before kickoff, a Gimnasia fan fell from a stand onto the street, becoming unconscious upon impact. He was rushed to San Martín Hospital in La Plata, where he arrived conscious and remains under medical evaluation. Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
After the final whistle, clashes erupted between Lobo supporters and police outside the stadium. Twelve officers were injured, and 23 Gimnasia fans were detained in the confrontation. Estudiantes' key player Santiago Ascacíbar said before the match: 'It’s going to be a nice game' and 'We go step by step.' Estudiantes will face Racing in the final on December 13 at Estadio Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero.
