Tentacles of Triumph: The Underdog Platense That Believed and Conquered

With a squad valued at just €24 million—nearly four times less than giants like River Plate—Platense defied all odds and claimed its first-ever top-flight title in 120 years. As Olé reported, this wasn’t a team built with millions, but with resilience, chemistry, and belief.

At the helm stood the indomitable coaching duo of Martín Orsi and Sergio Gómez. Their journey began over a decade ago in the lower leagues, coaching together at clubs like Fénix and Ferro. Now, they’ve made history as the first co-managers to win Argentina’s Primera División.

The backbone of the squad featured five players who had tasted defeat in the 2023 final. Leonel Picco, who hit rock bottom at Colón, found redemption at Platense. Ronaldo Martínez, the relentless Paraguayan forward. Raúl Lozano, sidelined by injury but part of the journey. Juan Pablo Pignani, a homegrown product. And Ignacio Vázquez, the captain who never wavered.

The youth academy added its own heroes. Ignacio Schor, who scored the pivotal penalty against River, joined Platense at 13 when their training ground was still just dirt. Franco Minerva debuted recently and is already a champion. Luciano Baldassarra has bled for the club known as “The Squid” since 2014.

Then came the signings who became fan favorites. Tomás Silva, on loan from San Lorenzo, shut down Mastantuono at the Monumental. Enzo Roldán, Rodrigo Herrera, and Edgar Elizalde brought grit and consistency. Key contract renewals, like that of Oscar Salomón, shored up the defense.

Several game-changers arrived in 2024: Vicente Taborda, Augusto Lotti, and Franco Zapiola, scorer of the goal that lit the dream against San Lorenzo, became the team’s good luck charm.

Goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani, who rose through the ranks at Deportivo Maipú, was a rock at the back—just like Saborido, Silva, and Vázquez. Off the bench, crucial contributions came from Nicolás Orsini (who scored against Racing) and Fernando Juárez.

And finally, there was Guido Mainero. The former Instituto winger, whose left-footed cross led to the championship-winning goal, sealed his place in club lore.

This Platense side didn’t buy greatness—they built it. All they needed was to believe. And they did.