Welcome to our round-up for the Gameweek ending 29 December 2020.
Lepers Abroad refers to the performances of ex-Newell’s players and coaches, along with well-known fans of Newell’s Old Boys, who now ply their trade outside of Argentina.
ENGLAND
Marcelo Bielsa‘s Leeds United bounced back from a heavy defeat to Manchester United by beating Burnley 1-0 (27 December) and West Bromwich Albion 0-5 (29 December). Leeds are now sitting comfortably in 11th position in the Premier League.
SPAIN
Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist in Barcelona’s 0-3 away win at Valladolid on 22 December. He was then granted extended Christmas leave to spend time in Rosario and missed the game against Eibar on 29 December.
Lucas Boyé played for 86 minutes in Elche’s 2-2 draw with Osasuna on 22 December.
FRANCE
Cristian Battocchio was a late substitute in Brest’s 2-1 defeat away at Lens.
ITALY
Nehuén Paz scored a late equaliser for Bologna in their 2-2 draw with Atalanta on 23 December. It was the former Newell’s defender’s first goal in Italian football.
Fernando Forestieri was an unused substitute in Udinese’s 2-0 defeat to Benevento on 22 December.
NETHERLANDS
Lisandro Martínez was an unused substitute in Ajax’s 1-1 draw with Willem II on 23 December.
MALTA
Federico Falcone played for 77 minutes in Birkirkara’s 2-5 away win at Floriana. No goals this time for the ex-Newell’s man.
SAUDI ARABIA
Éver Banega played a full 90 minutes as Al-Shabab lost 4-0 away at Al-Taawon on 21 December. On 29 December, he was back on the winning side in a 3-1 win for Al-Shabab over Al-Batin. He was yellow carded in both matches last week.
MEXICO
Nahuel Guzmán lifted the CONCACAF Champions League with Tigres after beating LAFC 5-1 on aggregate over two legs. It was the first time the ex-Newell’s stopper lifted the trophy and he was also awarded the prize for ‘Best Goalkeeper’ of the tournament.
Santiago Solari was appointed the new manager of Club América. He becomes the fifth manager of Club América to be associated with Newell’s after his uncle Jorge Solari, Jorge Castelli, Mirko Jozic and Marcelo Bielsa were all coaches of both teams.
CHILE
Carlos Rotondi was a 72-minute substitute in Santiago Wanderers’ 1-0 win over O’Higgins on 26 December.
Roberto Sensini’s Everton drew 0-0 with U. De Concepcion.
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