Analysis The numbers behind the result
Boca Juniors' wasteful finishing costs them despite dominance in xG
The 2-2 draw slightly flatters Newells Old Boys, as Boca Juniors created significantly better chances (1.62 xG vs 0.54) but failed to convert their superiority into three points. Despite boasting 60% possession and outshooting Newells 16 to 9 (with twice as many shots on target), Boca were punished for inefficiency, conceding twice from Newells' only two shots on goal.
Boca's ascendancy was evident through Sebastián Ascacíbar's 30th-minute opener, assisted by Sebastián Villa, and Alexander Velasco's late equaliser (81'), but their 1.62 xG underperformance highlights profligacy. In contrast, Newells were clinical: Matías Cóccaro (50') and Luca Regiardo (59') converted half-chances, with the latter's assist from Tomás Ríos proving decisive. Newells' deep defending (40% possession, 5 blocks) and set-piece threat (5 corners) disrupted Boca's rhythm.
The key stat? Boca's 0.88 xG underperformance — their inability to turn territorial dominance (10 shots inside the box) into goals defined this result.