Unión de Santa Fe and Platense played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night at the Estadio 15 de Abril, as the 2026 Torneo Apertura kicked off with a defensive battle. Despite the “Tatengue” controlling the tempo for much of the second half and creating several dangerous opportunities, they were unable to find a way past the reigning 2025 champions, who appeared content to leave with a point.
Match recap
The match began with high intensity, as Platense nearly took an early lead within the first five minutes. Leonardo Heredia and Guido Mainero both forced critical saves from Unión goalkeeper Matías Mansilla, who remained sharp to keep the visitors at bay. Unión eventually settled into the game, utilizing Mateo Del Blanco on the flank to stretch the defense, but a lack of clinical finishing in the final third proved to be the story of the night for the home side.
The second half followed a similar pattern of missed opportunities for the hosts. Franco Fragapane and Agustín Colazo combined well on the counter-attack, yet the “Calamar” defense, anchored by Maizon Rodríguez, held firm. As the clock ticked down, Unión pushed their lines forward, but the match ultimately fizzled into a stalemate, leaving both managers with work to do as the new campaign gets underway.
Fragapane’s performance
Former Minnesota United winger Franco Fragapane made his official season debut back in Santa Fe, occupying his familiar spot on the left side of the attacking midfield before being substituted early in the second half.
• Early opportunity: Fragapane was the architect of Unión’s best chance of the second half. In the 53rd minute, he received a cross from Colazo following a quick transition, but his right-footed effort from the center of the box was blocked by the defense.
• Tactical substitution: With the match still deadlocked, head coach Leonardo Madelón opted for fresh legs in the 56th minute, replacing Fragapane with Nicolás Palavecino to add more verticality to the attack.
• Defensive contribution: During his time on the pitch, Fragapane was effective in the high press, consistently tracking back to neutralize the overlapping runs of Juan Ignacio Saborido.
Stats
• Minutes played: 56′
• Goals: 0
• Shots: 1
• Pass accuracy: 81%
• Fouls drawn: 2
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