Tigre – Velez
Tigre were one of the beneficiaries of the elimination of relegation last season, as they should have dropped to the second division after finishing second-to-last in the aggregate table with only 39 points in 41 matches. Currently, they are just five points above the bottom of the point-averages table (excluding newly promoted teams). Coach Sebastian Dominguez left the club to join Vélez Sarsfield, and Diego Dabove replaced him. Along with Dabove came 10 new signings, including Héctor Fértoli (from Huracan), Joaquín Laso (Independiente), and Maximiliano Zalazar (Barracas Central). Vélez Sarsfield were crowned champions of the Liga Profesional after 12 years, thanks to their 2-0 home victory over Huracan, showcasing a high-flying style of football and losing only one of their last 11 league matches (four wins and six draws). Additionally, El Fortin were the best team of the season, earning a return to the Copa Libertadores in 2025. Coach Gustavo Quinteros left for Brazil to manage Gremio FBPA. His replacement, Sebastian Dominguez, will miss Claudio Aquino, who transferred to CSD Colo Colo (Chile). Elías Machuca (from Fortaleza EC, Brazil) is the only signing so far. Velez drew 1-1 at home against Peru’s Alianza Lima in their only preseason game. Valentin Gomez, about to be sold to Bologna FC 1909 in Italy, will miss out. His usual replacement Aaron Quiros is not available on Thursday due to a knee injury. Despite winning the championship, Velez’ coach Quintero left, and they sold two very important players like defender Valentin Gomez and playmaker Claudio Aquino so even though they should still be better than Tigre and their new coach is the one that was working for their rival today, I think it could take time for Velez to adapt and they might struggle here.