Estudiantes de La Plata defeated Rosario Central 1-0 in the 2025 Torneo Clausura round of 16, advancing to the quarterfinals with a goal from Edwuin Cetré. The match at Gigante de Arroyito was overshadowed by the Pincha players' protest, forming the champions' corridor but turning their backs to reject the AFA's recent award of the 2025 Liga title to Central. The gesture sparked divided reactions and a hefty fine for Estudiantes.
The match between Rosario Central and Estudiantes took place on November 23, 2025, at Rosario's Gigante de Arroyito stadium, in the Torneo Clausura round of 16. Rosario Central controlled possession at 64% and took 15 shots on goal compared to Estudiantes' 9, but failed to equalize. The lone goal came at the 30th minute of the first half, scored by Estudiantes' Edwuin Cetré, who finished precisely in an individual play.
In the second half, Estudiantes held firm despite Mikel Amondarain's ejection on a second yellow at the 45th minute, leaving them with 10 players. Rosario Central had clear chances, including Alejo Véliz's header off the post and Maximiliano Lovera's shot just wide, but Fernando Muslera kept a clean sheet. Referee Pablo Dóvalo oversaw a game with 24 fouls by Estudiantes and 9 by Central, plus 6 yellows for the Pincha and one red.
The buildup was tense due to the AFA's decision to declare Rosario Central the 2025 Liga champions for leading the annual table, announced the previous Thursday without a vote in the Executive Committee, as Estudiantes contested. The League ordered the champions' corridor, but Eduardo Domínguez's players formed it facing away in protest, a gesture Central coach Ariel Holan called 'a lack of respect.' Ángel Di María lamented Central's elimination and addressed the incident. Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón messaged fans celebrating the advancement. The AFA fined the Pincha for breaching regulations. Before kickoff, Central fans sprinkled holy water on the VAR monitor in an unusual ritual.
Estudiantes will face Central Córdoba in the quarterfinals, as the controversy between the La Plata club and AFA leadership, including Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and Pablo Toviggino, continues to escalate.
