Estudiantes de La Plata secured the Argentine Primera División’s Clausura tournament title in a stunning finish, despite entering the playoffs with a minimal points total. The championship run culminated amidst controversy following a defiant act by the team during a traditional guard of honor for newly crowned champions Rosario Central, a moment captured in a widely circulated image and sparking debate over sportsmanship and competitive fairness. Forward Edwuin Cetré, a key player in the team’s postseason success, recently spoke out to explain the team’s decision and their viewpoint on securing the title.
Estudiantes shocked the league and claimed the Clausura tournament title, despite qualifying for the playoffs with the fewest points alongside Talleres. The dramatic turnaround for the “Pincha” began in Arroyito, amidst a controversial guard of honor and Central’s championship celebration, sparking a major scandal in Argentine soccer.
Players from the Platense club were expected to participate in a traditional guard of honor for their opponents, but they chose to turn their backs, creating a historic image that ignited intense debate. Following that moment, Edwuin Cetré, who scored a crucial goal in that match, spoke about the team’s decision.
The Colombian forward was a key figure for Eduardo Domínguez’s team in the playoffs, instrumental in securing the new title. He scored against Central in the round of 16 and provided two assists against Central Córdoba in the quarterfinals and Gimnasia in the semifinals – all victories for Estudiantes as the away team by a score of 1-0.
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Leonardo Vincenti / La Capital
Edwuin Cetré on Estudiantes’ Controversial Guard of Honor
“Those of us who have played and know soccer understand how difficult it is to win a title, and it bothers us that the champion is decided by a few people. This has never been seen globally. We wanted to express our disagreement with those who awarded the title, but also with the players who know how hard it is to earn it and have it handed to them… It came out of nowhere. It wasn’t fair, and that’s why we did it,” Cetré confessed in an interview with Win Sports.
The 27-year-old striker explained the team’s stance, clarifying: “We apologize to the players of Central, they shouldn’t be blamed, but a title that is given away for no reason hurts your heart.”
A Response to Criticism
“We did it against the injustice, that was the position. It was about being the team that stands alone against everyone. It was about making a statement so that other teams and officials would see that this isn’t the way it should be. Although many criticized the guard of honor, internally they know it wasn’t right, that you have to fight so much. To win a title, you have to fight for it, just like we did,” the Colombian concluded.
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Estudiantes began their championship run with a penalty shootout victory over Racing in the round of 16. “We entered the playoffs through the back door, but since I arrived here, I realized that Estudiantes is a team that is very strong in the knockout stages. And we became strong and, thank God, we won the title,” he added.
