Instituto vs Gimnasia
In the context of a solid season, Instituto lost 3-1 at home to Godoy Cruz in their final match of 2024, suffering two consecutive defeats and dropping to 15th place in the aggregate table, which left them out of the running for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, marking a missed opportunity for an unprecedented international qualification in the club’s history. In fact, that result also ended a two-game winning streak at home. Pedro Troglio arrives as head coach for this season, along with reinforcements such as Francis Mac Allister (from Argentinos Juniors) and Matías Godoy (from CA Central Córdoba), who will replace Nicolas Dubersarsky (sold to Austin FC, MLS) and Gregorio Rodriguez (to FBC Melgar, Peru). Gimnasia LP did not meet expectations last season: their 1-0 away loss to Platense was their third consecutive defeat without scoring. This streak left them in 20th place in the aggregate table and 24th in the point-averages points table for this year, meaning their primary goal will be to avoid relegation. Additionally, El Lobo have not won away from home in their last seven matches, with four draws and three losses. Matias Melluso (returning from Pafos FC, Cyprus), Luis Ingolotti (CA Central Córdoba) and Gaston Suso (from Platense) are the most significant new arrivals at the club. Many new players for both teams, Instituto will have a new coach, I have to expect here a tight, balanced game that looks underish.