In an epic match, prior to the much anticipated final of the 132nd. Argentine Polo Open Championship, on Sunday December 7, La Aguada Don Ercole claimed a narrow 13-12 win over La Zeta Kazak and won the playoff, that secured the former the eighth place in the main draw of the 2026 Triple Crown.

The contest ended with a dramatic goal produced by Facundo Llosa, within the last seconds of play in regulation time, after a hard fought game between two remarkable lineups. It’s worth to notice that both teams clashed in the deciding match of the qualification tournament, that had plenty of drama, as well. On that occassion, La Zeta Kazak were victorious and La Aguada Don Ercole went to play the Cámara de Diputados Cup. And after winning the prestigious tournament, they secured their spot in the playoff. Today, La Aguada had their rematch.

La Aguada Don Ercole had a stronger start, but slowly, La Zeta Kazak bounced back; by the third chukka, the match was tied at 4-all. Things would change in the fourth chukka, when La Zeta Kazak, with goals by Lorenzo Chavanne (x2), Beltrán Lauhlé and Pelón Stirling outscored La Aguada 4-1. By half time, the French-Argentinian team were 8-3 ahead.

But La Aguada Don Ercole were far from giving up. In the fifth chukka Pedrinho Zacharias converted two penalties to close the gap to two goals (8-10); and in the sixth they tied 10-10, courtesy of  Facundo Llosa and Pedrinho Zacharias. However, it was Pelon Stirling who scored next, and La Zeta Kazak was 11-10 up with only one chukka left.

Facundo Llosa produced a remarkable goal within two minutes in the seventh chukka, to tie again (11-11); up next, a penalty conversion by Pedrinho Zacharias secured La Aguada Don Ercole a 12-11 lead. But there was plenty of drama still to come – a penalty awarded to La Zeta Kazak and successfully converted by Lorenzo Chavanne saw a new tie, 12-12. And when many were already thinking about an extra chukka, Facundo Llosa found the flags after a memorable run with only seconds to go, to secure La Aguada Don Ercole the 13-12 win, and the eighth spot for the 2026 Triple Crown.

PLAYOFF – SUNDAY DECEMBER 7

LA AGUDA DON ERCOLE 13-12 LA ZETA KAZAK

La Aguada: Facundo Llosa 8 (5 goals, 3 penalties), Kristos Magrini 6 (2), Pedro Zacharias 8 (5, 2 penalties), Felipe Vercellino 7 (1 Penalty 1). Total: 29.

La Zeta Kazak: Lorenzo Chavanne 7 (5 penalties), Beltrán Laulhé 7 (3), David Stirling 9 (3, 1 Penalty 1), Nicolás Pieres 8 (1). Total: 31.

Score La Aguada Don Ercole: 2-1, 3-2, 4-4, 5-8, 8-10, 10-11, 13-12. 

Umpires: Martín Aguerre & Martín Pascual.                         

Third Man: Federico Martelli.

Cover photo by Matías Callejo/Prensa AAP.