Sunday, November 2, 2025, will be remembered as a day of pure emotion at the Campo Argentino de Polo, a stage steeped in sporting legend. On the mythical Cancha 1, the crowd witnessed a thrilling clash — one that captured everything that makes Argentine polo unique: skill, speed, precision, and a touch of drama that kept everyone on edge until the very last second.
The encounter between La Hache Cría & Polo and La Ensenada was not only captivating for its balance of talent but also for its significance. It marked the debut of both teams in Zone B of the 132nd Argentine Open Polo Championship – Galicia presented by Visa, the most prestigious tournament in the global polo calendar and the pinnacle of Argentina’s famed Triple Crown.
From the outset, it was clear this would be no ordinary match. Both sides arrived hungry for victory and determined to assert their place within the group. La Ensenada, boasting a 34-goal handicap, entered as the slight favorite thanks to its lineup of high-caliber players. La Hache Cría & Polo, with 32 goals, countered with teamwork, resilience, and disciplined defense as its strongest weapons.
The duel surpassed all expectations and ended in the most dramatic way possible: with a golden goal in overtime. Carlos María “Toly” Ulloa scored the decisive goal two minutes and thirty-eight seconds into the extra chukker, sealing an unforgettable 18–17 victory for La Hache Cría & Polo.
Key Facts
• Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
• Venue: Campo Argentino de Polo (Cancha 1, Palermo – Buenos Aires)
• Tournament: 132nd Argentine Open Polo Championship – Galicia presented by Visa
• Stage: Opening match – Zone B
• Final Score: La Hache Cría & Polo 18 – La Ensenada 17
• Decision: Golden Goal in Overtime
• Decisive Goal: Carlos María “Toly” Ulloa (at 2:38 of the extra chukker)
• Referees: Nicolás Scortichini (head referee), Martín Aguerre and José Ignacio Araya (judges)
Match Summary
The match began with La Ensenada in full control, using its offensive power to take an early lead. With Rufino Bensadón active and Guillermo Caset Jr. inspired, the 34-goal team built a 3–1 advantage that suggested a comfortable afternoon ahead. But La Hache quickly struck back. In the second chukker, through tactical intelligence and a more organized game, they leveled the score at 4–4, sending a clear message: this would be a fight to the end.
As the chukkers progressed, the pace intensified. La Ensenada regained a three-goal margin (9–6) in the fourth, but La Hache Cría & Polo responded with poise and precision, narrowing the gap through Joaquín Pittaluga’s deadly accuracy from penalties. The scoreboard progression — 1–3, 4–4, 5–6, 6–9, 8–10, 10–12, 13–14, 17–17, and finally 18–17 — reflects the emotional roller coaster shared by players and spectators alike.
The eighth chukker was pure drama. Fighting with heart and determination, La Hache Cría & Polo tied the game at 17–17, forcing overtime. The atmosphere in Palermo was electric — tension and fatigue weighed heavily, and every play in the golden chukker felt like a final in itself. Then came the defining moment: “Toly” Ulloa, after recovering the ball near midfield, showed speed, vision, and cold-blooded precision to deliver the winning goal that unleashed sheer jubilation among his teammates and fans.
Scorers
La Hache Cría & Polo
• Bautista Bayugar: 4 goals (1 penalty)
• Carlos María Ulloa: 4 goals
• Ignacio Laprida: 2 goals
• Joaquín Pittaluga: 8 goals (4 penalties, 1 corner)
La Ensenada
• Rufino Bensadón: 5 goals
• Juan Britos Jr.: 1 goal
• Guillermo Caset Jr.: 7 goals (1 penalty + 1 awarded goal)
• Jerónimo del Carril: 4 goals (1 penalty + 1 awarded goal)
Analysis and Context
For La Hache Cría & Polo, this triumph meant far more than two points in the standings. It represented a psychological and sporting turning point in a season marked by ups and downs. The team, which had shown flashes of quality without securing consistent results, displayed remarkable mental toughness and maturity. They maintained focus in the decisive moments and never folded under the pressure of facing a rival with higher handicap and experience.
Joaquín Pittaluga’s leadership was crucial — his accuracy in set plays and his vision brought balance to the team. Bayugar contributed relentless effort and ball recovery, while Laprida and Ulloa proved decisive up front. The victory was built on teamwork and mutual trust, qualities that define teams with true identity and purpose.
For La Ensenada, the loss was painful. Despite their strong lineup and promising start, inconsistency in the final chukkers and defensive errors proved costly. The return of Guillermo Caset Jr. after a long recovery from injury was a highlight, but the team still showed some lack of rhythm and cohesion. Nevertheless, few doubt that La Ensenada will bounce back — their talent, structure, and experience ensure they remain serious contenders.
After the game, Bautista Bayugar summed up the spirit of the victory with a phrase that resonated throughout Palermo:
“Nowadays, handicap is just a number; tournaments are decided by points, not by handicap.”
His reflection captured the essence of what unfolded on the field — the increasing parity in Argentine polo, where outcomes depend less on official ratings and more on mindset, strategy, and execution under pressure.
What Comes Next
With this victory, La Hache Cría & Polo positioned itself perfectly in Zone B and gained a crucial boost of confidence ahead of upcoming challenges in the Argentine Open Championship at Palermo, the most prestigious tournament in world polo. The win strengthens their ambition to consolidate their place among the top organizations on the circuit.
As for La Ensenada, they will need to fine-tune their system and rediscover their best form to remain in contention. The talent is there, but in a competition as demanding as this, every chukker, every penalty, and every detail can determine the difference between advancing or being left behind.
Once again, the Argentine Open delivered a spectacle worthy of its storied history. This match — overflowing with emotion, tactical brilliance, and skill — was yet another reminder of why Argentine polo continues to be the global standard of excellence in the sport.