On a dramatic Friday night at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, Newell’s Old Boys turned the tables in the final moments of their Liga Profesional debut against Platense, securing a 2-0 victory that injected much-needed spirit into the team. The match unfolded with Newell’s, led by Éver Banega, dominating possession but struggling to establish clear dominance over Platense. Despite their control, Newell’s efforts on goal were sporadic and lacked cohesion, highlighting the team’s struggle for consistent attacking play.
The game remained scoreless for most of the duration, with Newell’s unable to capitalise on their possession. Platense, while limited in their attacks, posed a constant threat of breaking the deadlock. The match saw a pivotal change late in the game when coach Mauricio Larriera’s substitutions proved decisive. Brian Aguirre, often criticised for his performances, made a significant impact after coming on. He set up Jerónimo Cacciabue for the first goal with a well-placed assist, breaking the deadlock and igniting the home crowd on 82 minutes.
The momentum shifted entirely in Newell’s favour after the opening goal. Aguirre, seizing the moment, scored directly from a free kick, sending the ball low past the goalkeeper to double the lead in injury-time. This late surge secured an unexpected victory for Newell’s, transforming the atmosphere into one of jubilation as they kicked off their tournament campaign on a high note.
The match was a tale of patience and tactical adjustments, with Newell’s transitioning from a struggling display to a triumphant finish, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football where heroes emerge in the most unexpected moments.
Watch the highlights below.
