Interim head coach Gustavo Tognarelli oversaw a vital away win for Newell’s Old Boys in his first match since taking the reins from departing manager Javier Sanguinetti.
Newell’s went toe-to-toe with a Vélez side still reeling from a 0-4 home defeat to Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores midweek and came out on top, thanks to a Juan Manuel García header in the second-half.
A much depleted and youthful Newell’s side soaked up heavy Vélez pressure throughout but always looked productive in attack. The energetic Brian Aguirre was never afraid to shoot from long-range and target man Juan Manuel García looked fit again after a handful of fatigued performances in the red and black.
It was García’s goal that won the game. Substitute Panchito González, who came on for an injured Juan Garro, built on great link-up play with Aguirre to chip a perfect cross into the box for García to head home from close-range.
Newell’s goalkeeper Lautaro Morales was undoubtedly the star of the match, making 9 saves overall to stop Vélez from pulling a goal back. He dealt with everything that the home side threw at him and was magnificent in the dying embers to help secure a massive win for Newell’s.
Watch the highlights of the match below.
