Analysis The numbers behind the result
Instituto's late winner deserved after dominant xG advantage
The 1-0 scoreline flatters Central Cordoba, with Instituto deserving winners based on their superior chance creation. The visitors posted a higher xG (1.43 vs 0.50) and more shots on target (5 vs 1), despite marginally trailing in possession (48% vs 52%). Instituto's persistent threat inside the box (8 shots vs Central's 3) finally told in the 89th minute through Federico Suarez's decisive finish.
Central Cordoba's 4-1-4-1 system struggled to convert their 52% possession into clear chances, managing just one shot on target all game. Instituto's higher-intensity press (5 offsides to Central's 1) disrupted their build-up, forcing speculative efforts from distance (3 shots outside box vs Instituto's 4). The visitors' 8 corners to Central's 4 also reflected their sustained attacking threat.
The decisive moment came from late substitute Suarez, whose introduction in the 64th minute proved pivotal. His goal capped Instituto's dominance in quality chances, with his side's 1.43 xG - nearly triple Central's output - ultimately defining the match.