Vélez scored a goal after 847 minutes: they suffered against Midland but advanced in the Argentine Cup thanks to a penalty by Braian Romero

Vélez beat Ferrocarril Midland 1-0 and continues its path in the Argentine Cup and will now play Lanús in the round of 32. Braian Romero's goal, from a penalty in the 32nd minute of the second half, ended the worst drought in the history of the Liniers team, which went 847 minutes without scoring , the second worst in Argentine football after Ferro's 874 in 1999 .

The Argentine Cup, as we know, narrows the gap. First Division teams face rivals from lower categories willing to make a splash. And of course there have been some from 2012 to date. Perhaps one of the most resonant was when Real Pilar, from Primera D, the lowest category, eliminated the Liniers team in 2019.

On this occasion, for the current champion of Argentine football, the challenge and responsibility were doubled. On the one hand, to advance to the next round without difficulties against a Midland willing to go down in history, with the dignity of the teams that work for promotion. On the other hand, to overcome their own adversity, the 770 minutes without scoring since the title against Huracán, the worst series in the history of the club that increased the doubts and questions.

All of this happened on Platense's pitch . It was not a good match because Midland, with its limitations, challenged Marchiori's goal a couple of times; Vélez, with its difficulties, alternated good constructions against inaccuracies and nerves. Midland was closer to scoring, as it had a defense that doubled up in short plays and a goalkeeper who stood out against Damián Fernández.

When the second half began, Vélez had already gone 815 minutes without a goal, surpassing Chicago's 800 in 2015, now the third-worst record for a team in the First Division, all competitions combined.

In the second half, Vélez scored the goal and nothing else . They were favored by the error of referee Hernán Mastrángelo (who was in charge of the VAR in the controversial victory of Barracas Central over Newell's) who wrongly sent off Rogoski, since in the clash with Elías Gómez, the Vélez player was even stronger (it was a yellow card for the full-back and a foul for Midland).

With one less player, Midland - whose president is the former goalkeeper Agustín Orión - almost went 1-0 up thanks to a free kick by Agustín Campana that curled and hit the post . Then, goalkeeper Maldonado's penalty on Romero, without discussion. The centre forward did not kick it well, to the middle, low, and it went under the body of the rival goalkeeper.

Midland's performance was very dignified, even coming close to equalising twice in the final stretch. On one occasion, Gonzalo Gómez made a weak shot and Marchiori saved. Then, two errors in Mammana's exit compromised the victory. The Funebrero crowd, some 3,000 strong, including coach Sergio Rondina , cheered the team on.

There were celebrations in Vélez, but they were measured. On Sunday they will host Huracán at the José Amalfitani, the rival of the last goal and the lap of honour. They will be looking for their first win in the Apertura 2025 and to end the streak of 630 minutes without goals since the start of the tournament, the worst record in history for a current champion.