Instituto vs Velez
Instituto closed the 2025 season with a goalless draw at home against Talleres, already eliminated from the Torneo Clausura playoffs and only narrowly avoiding relegation through the overall table, where they finished 26th. Their end-of-season form was concerning, as they failed to win any of their final four matches, collecting one point from a possible 12. Home performances were inconsistent: only two wins in the last six matches at the Estadio Juan Domingo Perón, alongside three draws and one defeat. The club has been active in the transfer market under head coach Daniel Oldrá. New arrivals include striker Franco Jara, centre back Jonathan Galván, left-back Diego Sosa and right-back Hernán De la Fuente. After a very poor first half of 2025, Vélez Sarsfield showed signs of improvement during the Torneo Clausura but were eliminated in the round of 16 with a 2-0 home defeat against Argentinos Juniors. That result extended a negative run at the end of the season, as El Fortín went four matches without a win, drawing once and losing three times, which left them 16th in the overall standings and outside international qualification places. Securing a return to continental competitions will therefore be one of their main objectives in 2026. Away from home, Vélez recorded three wins, three draws and two defeats. The transfer window saw several important players leaving the club, including Agustín Bouzat, Thiago Fernández, Imanol Machuca and Tomás Galván, while Lucas Robertone returned from UD Almería. I like Instituto’s new faces, especially veteran striker Franco Jara who should make their attack stronger. Velez lost captain Bouzat and Maher Carrizo so I expect their midfield and attack to be weaker and I like the hosts here.