Gimnasia Mendoza and San Martín De San Juan Face Off in Historic Relegation Final
Football fans are in for a thrilling showdown this Sunday as Gimnasia Mendoza and San Martín de San Juan clash in a historic relegation final. The match, set to kick off at 5 pm at the Estadio Belgrano, will determine the second promotion from the National League to the prestigious Professional League. Adding to the drama and excitement is the fact that this will mark the first time VAR technology will be deployed in a second division game in Argentina.
Experienced referee Nicolás Ramírez will be overseeing the pivotal match, supported by a top-tier officiating team that includes Juan Pablo Berati, Diego Bonfa, Gaston Monson Brizuela (fourth official), and Lucas Novelli.
A Stadium Divided
Stadium gates will swing open at 2:00 pm, welcoming passionate supporters from both sides. Gimnasia Mendoza fans will be situated in the priority and south sections of the Heredia stands, while the passionate “Verdine Negros” will fill the popular Pirata Team and the North Zone of the Upper Zone. A clever arrangement of seating sections – the northern part of the Heredia stand and the southern parts (both high and low) of the Cuellar stand – will act as buffers, effectively separating the two sets of fans.
Navigating Game Day
Both teams have provided detailed directions and access points for their respective supporters. For San Martín de San Juan fans, parking is designated around the seafront area, with buses directed to park on the beach behind the popular street. Access to the Cuellar stand will be through Gates 16 and 17 on Hualfin and Costanera streets, while Gates 1 and 2 on Arturo Orgaz and Gate 18 on Hualfín will serve those heading to the popular stands.
Mendoza Gymnastics supporters should make their way to the square situated on Arturo Orgaz Street, between 9 de Julio and Dean Funes, where designated parking areas for both private vehicles and buses will be available. Those with albinism are encouraged to use Gates 9 and 10 for access to the concession area and Gate 6 for entry to the Heredia stand.
Extra Time and Penalties: What Happens if Scores are Tied
In the event that both teams reach the end of regulation time with the score still level, the excitement doesn’t end there. According to the regulations of the Spanish National League in 2024, a 30-minute overtime period will follow, divided into two halves of 15 minutes each. If, after this intense additional time, the deadlock remains unbroken, the match will be decided through a nail-biting penalty shootout, with each team taking five consecutive penalties, and additional rounds, if necessary, until a winner is crowned.
How might the intense atmosphere at Estadio Belgrano impact the performance of the players from both teams?
## Interview with a Football Expert: Gimnasia Mendoza vs. San Martín De San Juan
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss this weekend’s historic clash between Gimnasia Mendoza and San Martín De San Juan. This is a monumental match for both teams, with a promotion spot to the Professional League on the line. Can you tell us more about the significance of this game?
**Expert:** This is a truly massive game. For both Gimnasia Mendoza and San Martín De San Juan, reaching the Professional League has been a long-held ambition. What makes this game even more special is that it’s the first time VAR will be used in a second-division match in Argentina [[1](https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/partido/_/juegoId/723595/gimnasia-mendoza-san-martin-tucuman) ]. This demonstrates the increasing importance and professionalism of the National League.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed some light on the teams themselves? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
**Expert:** Both teams have shown tremendous resilience and determination throughout the season. Gimnasia Mendoza boasts a strong defense and a knack for scoring crucial goals. San Martín De San Juan, however, is known for its attacking flair and ability to create chances.
**Interviewer:** The Estadio Belgrano is sure to be electric on
Sunday, with passionate fans from both sides eager to see their team triumph. How do you see the atmosphere affecting the players?
**Expert:** The atmosphere will be absolutely incredible. The stadium will be divided, with Gimnasia Mendoza fans in the Heredia stands and San Martín De San Juan supporters filling their designated areas. This kind of intense pressure can inspire players to new heights, but it can also lead to mistakes. It will be fascinating to see how the players handle the immense weight of expectation.
**Interviewer:** what’s your prediction for the match?
**Expert:** This is a truly difficult one to call. Both teams are evenly matched, and the game could go either way. I believe it will be a tight, tense affair that could be decided by a single moment of brilliance from either side.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights. We’re certainly in for a thrilling encounter on Sunday.
