The behind-the-scenes of Estudiantes' back corridor to Rosario Central

Yesterday, in the round of 16 of the Torneo Clausura, Estudiantes de La Plata staged a scene that quickly spread throughout Argentine soccer. As required by the AFA, the Pincharrata squad performed the traditional guard of honor to welcome Rosario Central, but immediately after stepping onto the field, they carried out a surprising protest: all the players turned around and stood with their backs to the champion, making it clear they disagreed with the imposition of recognition for a title created out of nowhere just a few days ago.

After the match, ESPN reconstructed step by step how the decision was made. Before the game, Leandro González Pirez explained on camera that they would do the guard of honor only because it was mandatory. That statement already hinted at the internal discomfort over a measure they considered unjustified.

The planning also included direct communication with the opposing team's leaders. In the tunnel, minutes before entering the field, González Pirez himself approached Ángel Di María to explain the maneuver and prevent it from being interpreted as a personal gesture toward him or his teammates. Lucas Alario did the same from the substitutes' bench.

Once both teams were lined up and walking toward the field, the protocol was followed: Estudiantes performed the guard of honor facing forward. However, at the moment Rosario Central's players began to advance, Edwuin Cetré gave the prearranged signal. With a "Now" repeated twice, he instructed his teammates, both in his row and the parallel one, to turn around to complete the protest.

After that tense moment, the match continued. Cetré himself would end up being decisive, as he scored a spectacular goal for the final 1-0 that sent Pincha to the quarterfinals, closing an afternoon in which Estudiantes expressed its discontent both on and off the field.

What's next for Estudiantes

Eduardo Domínguez's team must now face another team close to those in power: Central Córdoba. It should be noted that the club of the infamous AFA treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, recently defeated San Lorenzo in a highly controversial round of 16 match, where Ferroviario displayed a very aggressive play style that was hardly sanctioned by referee Nazareno Arasa, who also awarded a questionable penalty in favor of the Santiago del Estero team and sent off Jhohan Romaña with a second yellow card for a non-existent offense.