Analysis The numbers behind the result
Newells Old Boys edge low-quality contest with superior shot conversion
Newells Old Boys' 1-0 victory was a fair reflection of a game where neither side created high-quality chances, but they were marginally more clinical. Their 0.91 xG slightly outperformed Platense's 0.24, with the decisive moment being Santiago Solari's 18th-minute strike – Newells converted 25% of their 4 shots on target, while Platense failed to score from their 2 on-target efforts despite 57% possession.
The hosts' dominance in possession (57%) and corners (6 vs 1) masked their lack of attacking incision – 4 of their 5 shots came from outside the box. Newells' compact defensive shape (43% possession, only 11 fouls) forced Platense into speculative efforts, while their own attacks carried more threat (5 shots inside the box vs Platense's 1). Platense's discipline unraveled late with Celías Ingenthron's 82nd-minute red card compounding their frustration.
The key stat: Newells' 0.91 xG was nearly four times Platense's output, justifying their narrow win in a game where both goalkeepers prevented exactly 0.34 expected goals.