Analysis The numbers behind the result
Estudiantes dominate xG but fail to breach Newells' defence
Estudiantes L.P. had the better of the play but were frustrated by a resolute Newells Old Boys defence, with the stalemate reflecting the visitors' ability to withstand pressure. The hosts' 1.98 xG dwarfed Newells' 1.07, yet they failed to convert their superiority into goals, registering nine shots on target to Newells' two. Estudiantes' 61% possession and six corners underscored their control, but a combination of wasteful finishing and Newells' defensive organisation (eight saves from their goalkeeper) proved decisive.
Newells' compact 4-2-3-1 limited Estudiantes to speculative efforts from outside the box (seven of their 21 shots), while their own counter-attacks lacked precision (39% possession, zero corners). The key stat was Estudiantes' inability to convert their 14 shots inside the box — a failure epitomised by their 1.98 xG yielding zero goals, with Newells' goalkeeper preventing 1.71 goals above expectation.