Ángel Di María emphatically demonstrated his continued brilliance upon his return to Argentine football, scoring a stunning goal in Rosario Central’s 2-0 victory over Barracas Central on Sunday. The 38-year-old’s performance was a potent reminder of the talent that helped lead the Argentinian national team to a historic third star, and served as a clear statement that his impact isn’t reliant on controversial calls or inflated accolades.
In a league largely free of the usual controversies, and with Argentine football authorities maintaining a level of professionalism, a match between “Canalla” and “Guapo” might typically be a low-key affair to close out a weekend of football. However, this contest provided a showcase for Di María’s enduring skill, a skill that remains remarkably close to the level that made him a key figure for Argentina.
Rather than focusing on potential refereeing decisions – a frequent talking point surrounding both teams – the match allowed Di María’s quality to shine. Both teams have recently been subject to scrutiny over controversial calls, but the spotlight remained firmly on the veteran star’s performance.
Di María returned to Rosario Central hoping to recapture his best form and be celebrated by fans across the country – a reception he continues to receive. However, a series of questionable decisions surrounding Central’s recent matches had threatened to overshadow his impact, including disputed penalties and the unprecedented awarding of a “League Champion” title (leader in the 2025 annual table) without prior announcement.
The match between Rosario and Barracas carried the weight of past controversies, with fans anticipating potential drama. Fortunately for the integrity of the game, those concerns proved unfounded.
The game itself quickly moved beyond potential controversy. Just five minutes in, Facundo Bruera delivered a reckless elbow to the face of Gastón Ávila. The assistant referee signaled for a foul, but inexplicably pointed to his chest, indicating no wrongdoing. Shortly after, Ávila retaliated with a similar challenge, making contact with Bruera’s face, but again, no call was made, highlighting a concerning inconsistency in officiating.
Jorge Almirón’s Rosario Central dominated the encounter, with Di María at the heart of everything they did. His pace, dribbling, and vision proved too much for Barracas to handle, though Central failed to fully capitalize on their opportunities.
The second half saw even greater control from Rosario Central. In the 57th minute, the stadium erupted as Giménez’s cross found Di María, who unleashed a stunning left-footed volley that crashed off the crossbar. Agustín Sandez followed up with another cross, finding the head of Enzo Copetti, who beat Miño to give Central the lead.
A potential offside call on Kevin Jappert briefly threatened to disrupt the celebration, but VAR confirmed the goal. In the 73rd minute, another brilliant run from Di María created a chance for Alejo Véliz, who narrowly missed the target. But the veteran wasn’t finished. In the 89th minute, Di María sealed the victory with a spectacular solo effort, celebrating his 38th birthday in style. He won a rebound on the edge of the area, went one-on-one with Miño, and chipped the goalkeeper with a delicate finish.
The goal secured Rosario Central’s first win at home and underscored the fact that Di María still possesses a remarkable level of skill in Argentine football.
