Instituto vs Velez
After their excellent debut, Instituto showed a very worthy performance last Wednesday, even outplaying River Plate at times as visitors, but ultimately suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 away defeat after conceding a goal in the 90th minute. This result leaves them with three points out of six possible in the Torneo Apertura and also marks their third loss in the last four league matches, with only one victory. On the positive side, La Gloria won three and lost one of their last four matches at Estadio Juan Domingo Peron.
Velez Sarsfield are enduring a tough start to the year under new head coach Sebastián Dominguez. Last Tuesday, the defending Liga Profesional champions suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Platense, conceding the decisive goal in stoppage time. El Fortín are yet to earn points in 2025 and have lost three of their last four league matches (only defeating Huracan in the title-clinching game). Additionally, Vélez have gone seven away games without a win (four draws and three losses). Captain Valentin Gomez has been sold to Udinese Calcio in Italy. Right back Agustin Lagos (who has been replacing the long-term injured Joaquin Garcia) will miss out due to a muscle problem.
Instituto was unlucky to concede a late goal and lose at River, so I’ll trust them here against the defending champion who lost the first two games, couldn’t even score a goal and are looking completely out of form without the good players that left.