Solari Strike Seals 2-1 Newells Triumph Over Central Cordoba

Newells Old Boys 2-1 Central Cordoba: Clausura – 13 Verdict

The Estadio Marcelo Bielsa erupted as Newells Old Boys clung to a 2-1 victory over Central Cordoba in a tense Clausura encounter that saw eight yellow cards brandished. Jerónimo Gómez Mattar’s first-half opener and Santiago Solari’s 69th-minute strike proved enough despite Leonardo Sequeira’s late reply setting up a frantic finale.

Newells Dominate Possession But Cordoba Dig In

From the first whistle, Newells’ 61% possession told the story of their control. Yet for all their probing – 19 total shots to Cordoba’s 6 – the breakthrough took 31 minutes. Gómez Mattar struck with the ruthlessness Cordoba lacked, finishing coolly after relentless pressure. The visitors’ frustration soon showed: Matías Vera and Fernando Martínez both saw yellow before halftime as Cordoba’s midfield anchor and keeper lost their heads.

Solari Strike Calms Rosario Nerves

The second half became a war of attrition, with five more yellows dished out in 18 mad minutes. Just as Cordoba’s physical approach seemed to unsettle Newells, Solari delivered the killer blow – crashing home from close range after Cordoba failed to clear. Manager Sebastián Domínguez’s triple substitution at 74 minutes smacked of desperation. It almost worked. Tijanovich’s introduction proved inspired, his cross met by Sequeira to halve the deficit with 10 minutes left.

Newells Weather Late Storm

Suddenly, the air smelled of cordite. Marco Iacobellis’ 91st-minute booking epitomised Cordoba’s fraying discipline as they hurled bodies forward. But Newells’ backline held, their 5 blocked shots and 7 clearances under fire proving vital. When the whistle blew, relief flooded the terraces – this was a win ground out through sheer bloody-mindedness.

For Newells, these three points cement their top-half credentials. For Cordoba, 39% possession and just 0.4 xG highlights their toothless attack. The real damage? Those yellow cards – a disciplinary hangover that could haunt their survival fight.