Club Atlético Huracán edged Cúcuta Deportivo 6‑5 in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out after a 1‑1 draw in regular time on Saturday, March 23, 2026, at Montevideo’s Parque Federico Omar Saroldi. Goalkeeper Sebastián Meza’s crucial saves sealed the victory, highlighting Huracán’s rising form under new coach Diego Martínez and boosted squad morale ahead of the Argentine Primera División season.
Match Overview and Key Moments
First Half Action
Huracán opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Ecuadorian forward Jordy Caicedo finished a swift counter‑attack. Cúcuta responded just before the hour‑mark with a well‑timed loft that allowed their striker to level the score at 1‑1. Both sides created additional chances, but neither could find a winner before full‑time.
Penalty Shoot‑out Drama
The deadlock led directly to a shoot‑out. After Cúcuta’s first taker missed, Huracán’s goalkeeper Sebastián Meza produced a series of reflex saves. The contest stretched to the ninth round, where Meza parried Cúcuta’s final attempt, securing a 6‑5 victory for Huracán.
Strategic Implications for Huracán
Diego Martínez’s early impact is evident. His tactical flexibility—shifting between a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 and a compact 4‑4‑2—allowed Huracán to absorb pressure and strike decisively through Caicedo’s pace. The win enhances squad confidence and positions Meza as a serious contender for the starting goalkeeper role as veteran Ariel Reyes approaches his mid‑30s.
What Cúcuta Deportivo Can Learn
The friendly exposed defensive lapses, particularly after conceding the opening goal. However, the team’s composure during the penalty phase indicates growing mental resilience. Manager Julio Gómez is likely to focus on set‑piece organization and penalty‑taking practice to strengthen the squad ahead of the Colombian Primera A campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Diego Martínez’s early impact: Two impressive wins, including a penalty shoot‑out triumph, signal a winning mentality.
- Sebastián Meza’s emergence: Crucial saves may challenge the veteran goalkeeper’s position.
- Jordy Caicedo’s contribution: His goal underlines his importance as a clinical finisher in Martínez’s system.
- Cúcuta’s learning curve: Identified defensive gaps and reinforced the need for set‑piece discipline.
