In the intense world of polo, few stages match the prestige and stakes of the Campeonato Argentino de Polo. While the tournament showcases the sport’s glamour and excellence, it also demands grueling sacrifices. For teams lower in the rankings, every match becomes a battle for survival—a fight to remain among the elite 10 teams that will compete at Palermo in the following year. Securing this spot is not just an honor but a testament to unyielding commitment and skill.
La Hache Cría y Polo, with a 31-goal handicap, is one such team fighting for its place. For them, participation alone isn’t enough; they aim to prove they belong among the sport’s powerhouses, many boasting 35-goal lineups and realistic championship aspirations. Each match demands precision, coordination between horse and rider, and an ability to minimize mistakes under pressure. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
For La Aguada, the challenge is even greater. With a 29-goal handicap and a roster rich in talent but limited in experience at this level, their dream of raising the championship trophy remains distant. Their struggles are compounded by the toll of the season: their horses peaked in October during the qualifiers, where the team gave everything to secure a spot at Palermo. Since then, they’ve faced a relentless schedule, leaving little room for recovery. Despite this, they’ve embraced a disciplined, teamwork-focused approach, which has brought flashes of brilliance. Yet, gaps in experience, individual skill, and horsepower have often tilted matches against them.
If La Aguada has one defining trait, it’s resilience. As long as there’s a mathematical chance of survival, they refuse to quit. Their final challenge is a must-win clash against Indios Chapaleufú, another team fighting for its future. Even victory might not be enough—they also need other results to go their way to secure a place in the Group of 8. Success would mean a playoff against the Cámara de Diputados Cup champion for a spot in next year’s tournament. Failure would mean facing the daunting task of requalifying for Palermo in 2025.
For La Aguada, competing at this level—against the best in the world—is an achievement in itself. Win or lose, they can take pride in their effort and determination to remain among polo’s elite.
Their recent clash with La Hache Cría y Polo encapsulated the tension and unpredictability of this survival battle. Both teams entered the match knowing what was at stake. Early on, La Hache Cría surged ahead, building a commanding lead. By halftime, the scoreboard read a shocking 13-3 in their favor—a margin far exceeding the two-goal difference in handicaps.
However, polo is a game of momentum, and La Aguada refused to surrender. As the match progressed, they mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 16-13 by the end of the seventh chukker. The atmosphere on the field and in the stands was electric. Would La Hache Cría hold their ground, or would La Aguada complete a remarkable turnaround?
In the end, it was La Hache Cría y Polo who prevailed with an 18-15 victory. Their hopes for securing a spot in next year’s Triple Corona remain alive, with one match left against La Hache principal and a wait to see La Zeta’s results. Optimism runs high in their camp. “We had to win, and we did,” said Facundo Sola. “There was no other option,” added Toly Ulloa. Reflecting on their performance, Ulloa admitted, “We started strong and built an unexpected lead, but we let up in the second half. Credit to them for their incredible fightback.”
For La Aguada, the loss is a setback but not the end. Their survival hinges on the outcome of their final match and the broader tournament results.
Match Recap: La Hache Cría y Polo 18 vs. La Aguada 15
Lineups:
• La Hache Cría y Polo: Facundo Sola (8), Carlos María Ulloa (8), Benjamín Panelo (7), Joaquín Pittaluga (8). Total: 31 goals.
• La Aguada: Facundo Llosa (7), Pedro Zacharias (8), Felipe Vercellino (7), Pedro Falabella (7). Total: 29 goals.
Score Progression:
2-3, 7-3, 10-3, 13-3, 14-5, 15-9, 16-13, 18-15.
Incidents: Pedro Zacharias received a warning in the 8th chukker.
Top Scorers:
• La Hache Cría y Polo: Pittaluga (8, 6 penalties), Ulloa (4), Sola (3), Panelo (2), penalty 1 (1).
• La Aguada: Llosa (6, 4 penalties), Vercellino (6, 5 penalties), Zacharias (2, 1 penalty), penalty 1 (1).
Officials: Gastón Lucero, Gonzalo López Vargas, and umpire José Ignacio Araya.
Field: No. 2, Palermo.
The battle may be over, but the war for survival is far from finished. Both teams move forward, each carrying the weight of expectations and the hope for a brighter future.