Playoff Progress, Continental Reality and the Shape of What Comes Next
By Mateo Ledesma
Huracán’s second season under Gabriel Batistuta continues to oscillate between promise and frustration. If the first year was about belief, identity and ultimately silverware in the Copa Sudamericana, this campaign has been about validation, about proving that last season was not a peak but a foundation. The recent playoff exits in both the Torneo Apertura and the Copa Libertadores, combined with an aggressive squad clear-out and the emergence of a new teenage star, leave El Globo at a fascinating inflection point.
Apertura Playoffs: A Barrier Finally Broken and Rebuilt Just as Quickly
For the first time in his young managerial career, Gabriel Batistuta can say he has won a playoff match. Huracán’s 3–1 home victory over Godoy Cruz in the Apertura quarter-finals was not only deserved, it was symbolic.
The opening goal came in the 23rd minute through Eric Ramírez, the striker who continues to embody Batistuta’s belief in internal solutions. Godoy Cruz responded immediately after the interval, equalising in the 46th minute and threatening to reopen old psychological wounds. Instead, Huracán responded with maturity. An own goal four minutes later restored the lead, before Sebastián Ramírez capped the performance in the 63rd minute with a decisive third.
It was controlled, assertive, and crucially played on Huracán’s terms.
That sense of progress, however, proved fleeting. In the semi-final away at Tigre, the margins once again tilted against Batistuta’s side. Tigre, who had limped into the playoffs in eighth place, offered little ambition but defended deeply and waited. Huracán dominated territory but not danger. Then, deep into injury time, a single long ball over the top undid them. Tigre finished clinically. 1–0. Season over.
The Playoff Question That Refuses to Go Away
Batistuta’s playoff record remains a growing concern. Three appearances, three eliminations, all in different contexts but with familiar themes. Huracán often look like the better footballing side, yet struggle when matches become compressed, chaotic and emotionally volatile.
There are several possible explanations. The squad, while talented, is still inexperienced at navigating knockout football under pressure. The club’s stature, historically significant but not dominant, means opponents often approach these games with nothing to lose. And tactically, Batistuta’s Menotti-influenced identity prioritises initiative and positional bravery, traits that can be punished in one-off scenarios.
The question is no longer whether Huracán can play. It is whether they can suffer.
Copa Libertadores: A Lesson in Brutality
If the Apertura exit was cruel, the Copa Libertadores elimination was sobering.
Drawn against Corinthians, Huracán were reminded, harshly, of the gulf that still exists between continental contenders and continental heavyweights. The first leg in Buenos Aires was catastrophic. Yuri Alberto’s first-half hat trick dismantled Huracán before they could breathe, and when Artur added a quickfire double after the break, the tie was effectively over at 5–0.
A brief rally saw Bisanz score on 65 minutes and Aaron Silva add another two minutes later, but Rodrigo Garro’s late goal restored Corinthians’ dominance. 6–2 on the night. Damage done.
The second leg in Brazil was more respectable but equally conclusive. Yuri Alberto struck again in the 41st minute. Sebastián Ramírez equalised on the night in the 70th, offering a fleeting sense of resistance, before Alberto completed the story in the 90th. 2–1 on the night. 8–3 on aggregate. Out at the first hurdle.
Lessons from the Continent
Huracán’s Libertadores campaign was short but instructive. Against elite opponents, structural gaps were exposed, particularly in defensive transitions, aerial duels and depth of quality across the XI. Batistuta’s ideas did not fail; they were simply overwhelmed by sharper execution, greater physicality and ruthless efficiency.
The takeaway is clear: to compete in South America’s premier competition, identity must be matched by profile.
Transfer Window Round-Up: Vega Continues the Clear-Out
While results have fluctuated, Daniel Vega’s work behind the scenes has been relentless. The latest window saw yet another wave of departures as Huracán continue to slim an unsustainable player list ahead of the embargo lifting this winter.
Among the exits:
- Thiago Rucci (20) to Unión (SF) – $60k
- Juan Idárraga (20) to Atlético Tucumán – $67k
- Nicolás Cordero (27) to Juventude – $43k
- Leandro Gárate (32) to Deportivo Cali – loan
- Santiago Medina (20) to Atlético Tucumán – $170k
- Ernesto Lugo (21) to Real Pilar – free
- Ezequiel Méndez (19) to Unión (SF) – $52k
- Marcelo Pérez (25) to Sport – loan
- Tomohiro Yamaguchi (18) to Niigata – loan
- Iván Campo (21) to San Martín (Burzaco) – loan
- Matías Salaberry (19) to Lanús – $60k
- Agustín Guerrero (18) to Vélez – $375k
- Lucas Ortiz (19) to Talleres – $110k
- Valentín Sánchez (24) to Avaí – loan
- Gabriel Alanis (32) to Almagro – loan
Clearing the Path
This is not chaos, it is strategy. Vega is systematically reducing wage commitments, freeing squad space, and positioning the club to act decisively once the embargo ends. Quantity is being sacrificed for clarity. The question now is whether recruitment will be as precise as the departures have been ruthless.
El Fenómeno: Tahiel Peralta Arrives
Few things unite a fanbase like the emergence of a prodigy. Tahiel Peralta has done exactly that.
Just shy of his 18th birthday, the playmaker announced himself in the Copa Argentina with a stunning two-goal debut. Since then, he has added three Torneo Clausura appearances, scoring twice, assisting once, and earning a Player of the Match award.
Equally impressive is his versatility. Peralta has alternated between a right-sided attacking playmaker and a central creator without looking remotely overawed. The stands are buzzing. National media attention is growing. Huracán supporters sense they may be watching the start of something special.
Batistuta has been careful with his words but not his trust.
League Form: Momentum Tested by Injuries
After eight games of the Torneo Clausura, Huracán sit second in the table, just two points behind Estudiantes. The record, five wins, one draw, two defeats, speaks to consistency. But the context tells a more fragile story.
Injuries have ripped through the squad, forcing constant reshuffles. A humiliating 5–1 defeat to Instituto exposed how thin the margins have become. Despite numerical depth, Batistuta is struggling to find reliable, match-ready replacements in key zones. The floor of the squad, something he has spoken about repeatedly, remains too low.
What Comes Next: Profiles, Not Names
As the embargo’s end approaches, Daniel Vega’s next steps will be decisive. Three areas stand out.
Goalkeeper
Batistuta requires a keeper comfortable sweeping high, distributing cleanly under pressure and commanding the box. Not a shot-stopper alone, but a first phase playmaker.
Right-Sided Centre-Back
This role must balance aggression with composure. Strong in duels, quick across the ground, and capable of stepping into midfield when building. The system demands courage and anticipation.
Right-Sided Central Midfielder
Perhaps the most crucial profile. A connector—press-resistant, tactically intelligent, able to cover ground and maintain tempo. Not a star, but a stabiliser.
Conclusion: Ceiling or Climb?
Huracán are no longer rebuilding. They are evolving. The project has direction, belief, and a defined philosophy—but the recent playoff failures and continental lessons suggest the current squad may be approaching its natural ceiling.
Youth promotion has brought energy and hope, but progress now demands balance. Without the correct profiles supplementing that youth, identity risks stagnation rather than maturation.
Batistuta has shown he can inspire, organise and win. The next phase will determine whether Huracán can endure, adapt—and finally break through.
The Gaffers Lounge 
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