LA PLATA, Argentina (Interstat) — Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata opened its Primera Nacional season with a 2-0 victory over Velez Sarsfield on Monday, defying pregame projections. Playing at Estadio Juan Carmelo Zerillo, the hosts took the lead in the 34th minute on a goal from Marcelo Torres. Midfielder Jeremias Merlo, the game’s standout performer, then sealed the win with a 68th-minute goal, having also assisted on the opener. The result was an upset, as statistical models heavily favored Velez Sarsfield, giving them a 77 percent chance to win. Velez Sarsfield’s season record fell to 0-1 across all competitions with the loss.