Barracas Central secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Newell's Old Boys on Saturday, marking significant implications not only for the standings but also for the debut of Cristian Fabbiani as Newell’s coach. The match, part of the seventh round of Copa de la Liga Argentina, showcased Barracas Central’s quick start and solidifying their position at the upper half of the table.
From the very beginning, Barracas Central seized control of the game. Just two minutes after the whistle, Jhonatan Candia managed to slip past the Newell's defense. Receiving the ball from Nicolás De Martini, Candia broke free from the defenders, leaving him one-on-one against Newell's goalkeeper Keylor Navas. With precision, he found the back of the net, sending the home crowd at Estadio Julio Humberto Grondona erupting with joy. Candia, celebrating the moment, playfully pointed to his jersey number, 20, which is symbolic of the historical advantage Rosario Central holds over Newell's in their head-to-head encounters.
The game continued with Barracas Central effectively managing the pace and controlling the ball with 58% possession, according to match statistics. They registered three shots on target compared to Newell’s eight, indicating Newell's offensive efforts throughout the match. Newell's strategy, implemented by Fabbiani, focused on solidifying defense but struggled to convert opportunities.
Newell's had moments to equalize, and one key incident stirred considerable controversy when Saúl Salcedo's attempted shot struck Yonatthan Rak's arm. The Newell's team vehemently protested for a handball, hoping for a penalty, but referee Pablo Echavarría chose to dismiss their appeals. Fabbiani, visibly upset, expressed his opinions on the sidelines, stating, "Ya está, fue penal," indicating he believed the decision was incorrect and venting his frustration at the non-call.
Despite Newell's best efforts, the match continued to slip away from them. Barracas Central tightened their grip on the match, playing resolutely and effectively countering Newell's attempts to score. The game was sealed late when Manuel Duarte, coming off the bench, scored the second goal for Barracas Central during stoppage time. His goal, also celebrated with enthusiasm, confirmed the 2-0 scoreline and highlighted Barracas’s rising ambition this season.
Reflecting on their performance, Barracas Central displayed resilience and tactical acumen, achieving their third victory of the tournament and climbing up to seventh position with 12 points. It’s worth noting how their recent form—a mixture of victories and draws—marked improvements compared to earlier games.
On the flip side, Newell's continued to grapple with consistency, managing to accumulate only three points from their last matches, including several losses. The clash against Barracas Central only intensified their woes, solidifying their position among the bottom teams of the league. Their upcoming match against Atlético Tucumán presents another chance for redemption, but Fabbiani's challenges as he attempts to reshape the team are becoming more apparent.
Both teams will look to reassess their strategies following this match. Barracas Central, buoyed by their performance, will next face Godoy Cruz, aiming for another positive result to solidify their mid-table status and push for even higher aspirations in the league.
This match not only served to propel Barracas Central up the standings but also set the stage for Newell's to confront the pressing need for improvement as they prepare for yet another challenge.