Analysis The numbers behind the result
Newells edge tight contest despite Talleres' dominance in possession
Newells Old Boys' 1-0 victory was marginally deserved on xG (1.31 vs 1.32), but the decisive penalty conversion by Matías Cóccaro (55') masked Talleres' superior chance creation. Despite controlling 67% possession and outshooting Newells 17-11 (5-4 on target), Talleres failed to convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities, with both sides registering near-identical xG.
The game turned on Talleres' discipline issues, with Riquelme's 86th-minute red card compounding an earlier yellow (15'). Newells were more efficient with their limited ball (33% possession), converting their only big chance via Cóccaro's spot-kick while restricting Talleres to low-quality attempts (8 of their 17 shots came from outside the box). Talleres' 90% pass accuracy (528/585) versus Newells' 75% (218/291) underscored their control but not penetration.
The key stat: Talleres' 0.27 goals prevented by their goalkeeper matched Newells', showing both keepers performed equally well - but only Newells capitalised on their one golden chance.