Aldosivi vs Defensa y Justicia
Aldosivi narrowly avoided relegation last season after a dramatic 4-2 home win over San Martín SJ, a result that capped a strong finish with five wins and one loss in their last six matches. That run lifted them to 28th in the annual table after looking almost condemned. They start 2026 27th in the relegation averages and remain focused on consolidating their top-flight status. Home form is a key asset, with three consecutive wins at the Minella. Guillermo Farré’s squad has undergone major turnover, goalkeeper Axel Werner (from Rosario Central), centre-back Joaquín Novillo (Paysandú FC, Uruguay) and midfielder Esteban Rolón (Boca Juniors) are the biggest signings. A lot of players left, highlighted by the departures of attacking midfielder Justo Giani, winger Tiago Serrago, right-back Giuliano Cerato and goalkeeper Jorge Carranza. Defensa y Justicia endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing 18th in the annual standings and closing the season with four straight defeats, including a 2-0 home loss to Independiente Rivadavia that left them out of the Clausura playoffs. Away from home, their struggles were pronounced: they went 11 matches without a win on the road, drawing four and losing seven. The new season brings changes, with centre-back David Martínez (Olimpia, Paraguay), midfielder Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), playmaker Rubén Botta (Talleres) and left back Elías Pereyra (Instituto) as the most important new faces. After a poor 2025, Defensa looks renovated, especially in attack with veterans Banega and Botta leading the offense. Can’t expect much from Aldosivi, they were lucky to stay in the top division and after a big renovation they should take time to adapt to play together so I’ll take the visitors here.