Velez vs Instituto
Vélez Sarsfield failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage for nearly an hour last weekend and ended up drawing 0-0 away to defending champions Platense. With this result, El Fortín now have four points in the Torneo Clausura and have taken ten of the last 15 available in league play (three wins, one draw, one loss), allowing them to stay two points clear of the relegation zone. In addition, Vélez have won their last two home matches in this competition. Valentín Gómez has been transferred to Spanish side Real Betis Balompié. Instituto struggled to contain River Plate’s attacking power last week and suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. La Gloria remain on three points in the Torneo Clausura, but an inconsistent run of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five league matches is keeping them out of the race for a Copa Sudamericana spot. On a brighter note, Instituto have won two of their last three away matches, with only one loss in that span. Francis Mac Allister is suspended after being sent off against River Plate. In addition, Alex Luna misses out injured. Instituto looked quite poor at home against River and I expect them to struggle against this solid Velez.