Newell’s – Independiente Rivadavia
Newell’s Old Boys shocked everyone in their final match of 2024, defeating Talleres 3-1 away, despite their opponent being in the Liga Profesional title race. With this result, La Lepra lost only one of their last four league matches, winning two and drawing one. However, the team finished 19th in the aggregate table, falling well short of expectations. In fact, they have been weak at home recently, winning just one of their last five home matches (alongside one draw and three losses). Coach Mariano Soso lost key players during the transfer window, like Matko Miljevic (joining Huracan), Rodrigo Fernandez (Independiente), and Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay). On the other hand, the club signed Luca Sosa (from Barcelona SC, Ecuador) and Luciano Lollo (Estudiantes). Independiente Rivadavia found their best form in the latter part of 2024, winning four and drawing one of their last five matches after an undeserved 0-0 draw against Deportivo Riestra at home in their final game of the season. With this, La Lepra accumulated 46 points in their return to the top division, enough to avoid relegation. In fact, Alfredo Berti’s team won their last two away matches (2-0 victories over Tigre and Belgrano). Ezequiel Ham (signed by Union Santa Fe), Tobias Ostchega (returned to Belgrano) and Franco Romero (CD Toluca, Mexico) left the club, while 12 new players joined, including standout signing Maximiliano Amarfil from second-tier club Nueva Chicago. Newell’s already struggled a lot last year and to make things worse they lost important players, Independiente Rivadavia has 12 new signings, so I have to expect another slow paced game between two poor teams that will need some time to find their best form.