Estudiantes gave Rosario Central the champions' guard of honor with their backs turned in protest against the AFA.

The lead-up to the round of 16 match in the Clausura Tournament ended up being dominated by a scene that is now circulating throughout the country. Estudiantes complied with the order from the Professional League and the AFA to perform the traditional guard of honor for Rosario Central, but did so with their backs turned. 

This request was made after Canalla was proclaimed "2025 League Champion," a recognition that had not been previously established. However, Pincha found a way to express its disapproval: all the players turned around and welcomed their opponent with their backs turned.

The reason for the disapproval: "There was no vote"

The club from La Plata, presided over by Juan Sebastián Verón, had publicly expressed its rejection of the LPF's decision. "No vote was held regarding the recognition of the 2025 League Champion title", Estudiantes announced hours before the match.

That message contradicted the official version: the League had lied by saying that the addition of the title and Central's crowning had been "unanimously approved" by the Executive Committee. It was even stated that the decision was recorded in the minutes of the meeting, in which Estudiantes was represented by its vice president, Pascual Caiella.

A guard of honor with backs turned and arms crossed

The decision to perform the champion's guard of honor for Central's players was adopted even though it is not present in any regulations and has historically been a voluntary practice. 

However, the tension gave rise to an unprecedented scene. Estudiantes turned the guard of honor into a silent protest: the entire squad stood with their backs to Rosario Central's players as they walked through the guard of honor.

According to ESPN Premium reporter Federico Bueno, the institution "gave the players freedom" to decide how to express themselves, but Verón held a conversation with the team leaders and suggested the final stance: guard of honor with backs turned and arms crossed. 

On the field, football spoke: Pincha's victory

With a goal from Edwin Cetré, Estudiantes ended the night by defeating its rival. Pincha won 1-0 against Rosario Central, eliminating them from the Clausura Tournament and advancing to the quarterfinals.

Verón's team replied on the field with discipline, intensity, and a solid performance, making it clear that the guard of honor controversy did not distract them and that, beyond the recognition granted to Canalla for the annual accumulation of points, the one who celebrated in the knockout round was Estudiantes.