Barracas Central vs Gimnasia
Barracas Central keeps pushing forward in the middle of countless controversies surrounding them. Last Monday, they rose to the occasion to defeat Deportivo Riestra 1–0 away from home in extra time, with Nicolás Blandi scoring in the 115th minute. Thanks to that victory, El Guapo advanced to the Torneo Clausura quarter-finals and extended their unbeaten run in the league to four matches (two wins and two draws). On the downside, Barracas have won only one of their last six home matches (three draws and two defeats). Rodrigo Insúa has served his suspension and is available. Gimnasia LP continues improving week after week under Fernando Zaniratto. Last Monday, they delivered a very convincing performance to defeat Unión Santa Fe 2–1 away from home —one of the best teams from the regular phase— with goals from Manuel Panaro and Enzo Martínez to advance to the Torneo Clausura quarter-finals after just escaping from relegation. It was El Lobo’s fourth consecutive victory, and they have now won four of their last five away matches (including the last three). There are no new injuries to report ahead of Monday’s clash with Barracas Central. Gimnasia are holding on to some great momentum and they know an epic derby against Estudiantes is waiting for them in the semifinals so I’ll trust them here not to lose against a Barracas that was very lucky to advance in extra time being down to 10 men against Riestra.