Iker Muniain (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Iker Muniain scores twice in his first start for San Lorenzo, leading the team to a 2-1 win over Banfield in the Argentine league.
The Navarrese footballer scored a brace for San Lorenzo de Almagro in his first match as a starter with the ‘Ciclón.’
Iker Muniain made an instant impact in his first start for San Lorenzo, scoring twice to help his team secure a 2-1 home win against Banfield. After coming off the bench in his first two appearances, Muniain was finally given a spot in the starting lineup and made the most of it, netting two goals to secure the team's fourth win in the competition.
In front of a packed Pedro Bidegain stadium, Muniain opened the scoring in the 29th minute from the penalty spot. Banfield equalized in the 48th minute through Bruno Sepúlveda, also from the spot. Banfield's troubles worsened when Cristian Núñez was sent off before halftime, leaving the visitors with ten men.
Early in the second half, Muniain struck again in the 51st minute, converting a cutback from Ezequiel Cerutti to send the San Lorenzo fans into a frenzy. Every touch from the former Athletic Bilbao star was met with cheers, and in the 82nd minute, the crowd rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation when he was substituted for Sebastián Blanco.
"Sometimes you have to make decisions in life. Mine was to come and play in the Argentine league. San Lorenzo gave me all the confidence, and I feel at home here. I hope to bring many more joys to this great club," Muniain said after his brilliant performance.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has now completed three matches in the Argentine league, with this being his first as a starter.