Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata closed its European pre‑season tour with a 3-1 win over Dynamo Makhachkala on July 7, giving the club a strong start before the Clausura debut against Racing.

How did the friendly unfold?

The Lobo fell behind in the third minute when Mrezigue scored for the Russian side. Enzo Martínez equalised at 15' after a rebound from a header that hit the crossbar. In the second half, Jeremías Merlo put Gimnasia ahead at 30' and, two minutes later, Nicolás Barros Schelotto, son of Guillermo, sealed the win with the third goal. The match ended with a brief scuffle between players that required referee intervention.

Which line‑ups did Ariel Pereyra use?

The starting eleven featured Julián Kadijevic; Bautista Barros Schelotto, Germán Conti, Enzo Martínez and Matías Melluso; Franco Torres, Nicolás Barros Schelotto, Ignacio Fernández and Maximiliano Zalazar; Agustín Auzmendi and Marcelo Torres. In the second half, Nelson Insfrán; Pablo Aguiar, Juan Cruz Cortazzo, Gonzalo Errecalde and Pedro Silva Torrejón; Ignacio Miramón, Mateo Seoane, Nicolás Barros Schelotto; Franco Torres, Maximiliano Zalazar and Manuel Panaro entered, with Juan José Pérez and Jeremías Merlo replacing Zalazar and Torres.

What does this result mean for the squad?

The victory shows that the team under Pereyra has found offensive rhythm and defensive stability, two key factors for competing in the Clausura. Moreover, the international experience at Spartak Zelenogorsk gives the squad a different tactical perspective that could translate into stronger performances against local rivals.

What’s next for Gimnasia?

The Lobo returned to La Plata on July 8 and is preparing for its official debut on July 24 at 19:00 in the Cilindro de Avellaneda, where it will face Racing. The coaching staff is already fine‑tuning the playing style and building chemistry between young prospects and starters, aiming for early points in the Clausura.

How did other pre‑season matches compare?

While Gimnasia celebrated its win, Newell's and Vélez played two games in Liniers, ending 3-1 and 1-1 respectively. Those fixtures, though not involving the Lobo, highlighted the intensity of the pre‑season in the region and the clubs’ need to adjust squads before the championship begins.