Gimnasia de Mendoza – Velez
Two weeks ago, Gimnasia Mendoza produced a solid first-half performance but ran out of energy after the break, eventually falling 1-0 away to Newell’s Old Boys — a side that had been bottom of the overall standings and winless in the calendar year up to that point. That result extended their winless run to seven league matches — three draws and four defeats — leaving them with nine points from 11 games in the Torneo Apertura. They currently sit second from bottom in the relegation average table, only above fellow newly promoted side Estudiantes de Río Cuarto. As a consequence of this poor campaign, Ariel Broggi has stepped down from his role as head coach. At home, they have taken just one point from the last nine available. New head coach Darío Franco will make his debut on Friday. Vélez Sarsfield suffered their first defeat of the season two weeks ago, as they conceded a late goal in a tight and entertaining contest and fell 1-0 at home to Lanús. As a result, they were knocked off the top of the overall standings — now held by Independiente Rivadavia — although they still lead Group A with 22 points, having recorded six wins and four draws in the Torneo Apertura. As the visiting side, Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side have won three and drawn three so far in 2026. Velez are leaders of Group A and one of the best teams in the league despite their defeat at Lanus in the last game. They are definitely one step above this Gimnasia that has recently changed coach and will have a hard time staying in the top league at the end of the season.