Lanús Reserves came from behind to beat Banfield Reserves 2-1 in the Argentine Reserve League, turning a tense Clásico del Sur into a deserved three points. After conceding early, the hosts controlled the second half and found the winner through a well-worked move that underlined their growing maturity in the reserve division.

Banfield strike first in the southern clásico

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, pressing aggressively and disrupting Lanús' attempts to build from the back. Their reward came on 21 minutes when Julián Sosa pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and drove a low effort into the bottom corner. It was a goal built on pressure rather than patience, and it briefly silenced the home support.

Lanús responded well to the setback. Their midfield began to find pockets of space between Banfield's lines, and the equaliser arrived four minutes before the break. A quick exchange on the left released the overlapping full-back, whose cutback was converted first time by Nahuel Ferreyra to send the teams in level at 1-1.

Second half: control and the winning goal

The second period was a different story. Lanús pushed their defensive line higher, squeezed the pitch and forced Banfield into long, hopeful balls that were comfortably dealt with. The pressure finally told on 68 minutes when Facundo Benítez arrived late in the box to meet a deep cross and guide a header beyond the goalkeeper.

Banfield threw bodies forward in the closing stages and had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away, but Lanús managed the game intelligently — slowing the tempo, keeping possession in wide areas and winning a series of defensive duels. The final whistle brought a hard-earned win in one of Argentine football's most traditional reserve-level rivalries.

Key moments

• 21' — Julián Sosa fires Banfield into the lead from distance.
• 41' — Nahuel Ferreyra equalises with a first-time finish from a cutback.
• 68' — Facundo Benítez heads home the winner from a deep cross.
• 84' — Banfield penalty appeal turned down after a challenge in the box.

Tactical story

Lanús lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with an emphasis on controlling the half-spaces, and the pivot pair were central to their comeback. Once they started winning second balls, Banfield's counter-attacking threat faded. The visitors' shape — a disciplined 4-4-2 out of possession — worked well early but left gaps between the lines as legs tired in the second half.

Standout performers

Facundo Benítez took the man-of-the-match honours for a commanding second-half display, capped by the winning goal. Nahuel Ferreyra was lively throughout and took his chance well, while the Lanús goalkeeper produced a sharp late save to protect the lead. For Banfield, Julián Sosa was the standout, combining tireless running with genuine quality in front of goal.

Season impact

Three points lift Lanús Reserves up the Argentine Reserve League table and continue an encouraging run of form at home. The comeback also speaks to the squad's character — a valuable trait in a division designed to develop players for first-team football. Banfield Reserves, who showed plenty of intent but lacked a cutting edge in the final half hour, will look back on a missed opportunity to take something from a difficult away trip.