Match Centre

Newells Old Boys deserved their narrow victory, reflected in their superior expected goals (1.93) compared to Central Cordoba's 0.4. Despite dominating possession (61% to 39%) and creating more chances (19 shots to 6), Newells were far from fluid, with just 7 shots on target from 19 attempts. Their clinical edge proved decisive, with Jerónimo Gómez Mattar opening the scoring in the 31st minute before Santiago Solari doubled the lead in the 69th.

Central Cordoba struggled to impose themselves, managing only 3 shots inside the box and 2 on target. Their late consolation, scored by Leonardo Sequeira in the 80th minute, was a rare moment of quality in an otherwise disjointed display. The visitors' frustration was evident in their 5 yellow cards, matching Newells' 3 but coming in a shorter timeframe.

The key stat explaining the outcome is Newells' 7 shots on target to Central Cordoba's 2 – a clear demonstration of their superior threat in attack despite a less-than-convincing overall performance.