On February 24, 2025, Barracas Central faced off against Newell's Old Boys at the Estadio Julio Humberto Grondona for the seventh round of the Torneo Apertura 2025. The match, which kicked off at 17:00 local time, was broadcast live on ESPN Premium and officiated by referee Pablo Echavarría.
From the start, Barracas Central set the tone for the match. Just two minutes in, forward Jhonatan Candia scored, capitalizing on a deep pass from the defense. Candia's deft touch outmaneuvered Newell's veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, giving Barracas Central an early lead.
"Candia put Barracas Central 1-0 up against Newell's, disappointing the debuting coach Cristian Fabbiani," reported ESPN Argentina shortly after the goal. This pivotal moment not only energized Barracas fans but also highlighted Newell's struggles, as they had recently endured five losses out of six matches leading up to this encounter.
Newell's Old Boys arrived at this match amid significant changes. After suffering several defeats, the club relieved Mariano Soso from his managerial duties and appointed Cristian Fabbiani as his successor. This match marked Fabbiani's first official game as the head coach trying to reverse Newell's dire fortunes, having only accumulated three points from 18 available this season.
Barracas Central, meanwhile, was enjoying a more promising season. Having recently drawn 1-1 with Defensa y Justicia, they were on the up-and-up, boasting nine points and sitting at ninth place on the table. Their solid performances this season have included two victories and three draws. Manager Rubén Darío Insúa adopted a cautious 5-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive stability with Marcos Ledesma guarding the net.
Fabbiani's tactical decisions for Newell's, opting for the same formation, included many new faces aiming for redemption after recent failures. Keylor Navas was entrusted with the goal, joined by defenders Alejo Montero, Luciano Lollo, and Victor Cuesta, as well as midfielders like Ever Banega attempting to spark some creativity.
The first half progressed with Barracas Central maintaining slight control, shown by their possession stats—53% to Newell's 47%. Despite this, Newell's seemed to wake up momentarily, registering three shots on goal compared to Barracas' single attempt at half-time.
Newell's fans were hopeful for improvement as they entered the second half, with the recent coaching change offering them optimism. Yet, the intention quickly turned to desperation as Barracas controlled the tempo and showcased their capability to capitalize on mistakes. For example, when Newell's player Juan Manuel García eluded Ledesma to score, his effort was overshadowed by being flagged offside.
"Newell's offensive struggles continue as they fail to find the back of the net consistently," said sports analysts, capturing the prevailing sentiment over the weeks. Despite having the talents needed, including Navas and Banega, the team's ineffectiveness has been alarming.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Barracas Central maintained their composure, and the pressure mounted on Newell's as they sought to level the score. Newell's substitutions—bringing on David Sotelo and Gonzalo Maroni—failed to turn the tide. Meanwhile, Barracas made effective use of the clock and their two-goal advantage during the buildup.
After the final whistle, the scoreboard read 1-0, marking another disappointing chapter for Newell's and leaving Fabbiani to reflect on his debut. Despite energetic performances from individual players, the collective effort fell short as Barracas Central celebrated the victory.
This match not only highlighted the challenges Newell's faces moving forward but also reinforced Barracas Central's ambitions for the season. With their solid position on the table and player performances like Candia's, they are well-placed to challenge for higher honors as the tournament progresses.
The teams will now regroup as they prepare for their next fixtures. Barracas Central's focus will remain on building momentum, aiming for future wins, whilst Newell's must strategize to break their losing streak and regain their footing within the league.