Welcome to our round-up for the Gameweek ending 8th February 2021.
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 moved up to 10th in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road on 8 February.
SPAIN
Lionel Messi provided an assist in Barcelona’s remarkable 3-5 comeback win over Granada in the Copa del Rey on 3 February. On 7 February, he started on the bench away to Real Betis but made an instant impact after coming on as a substitute after 57 minutes, scoring on 59 minutes to put Barcelona on level terms with their opponents. The game finished 2-3 to Messi’s side.
Lucas Boyé scored his 4th league goal of the season in Elche’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal. He played a full 90 minutes and was also yellow carded.
FRANCE
Mauricio Pochettino‘s PSG claimed bragging rights in Le Classique, beating rivals Marseille 0-2 away from home.
Mauro Icardi started and scored for PSG to put them 0-2 ahead after 24 minutes. He was substituted after 65 minutes but his contribution to the team since Pochettino arrived has been significant.
ITALY
Cristian Ansaldi was a 55th minute substitute in Torino’s 3-3 away draw at Atalanta.
Enzo Barrenechea scored for a third game in a row, converting a 32nd minute penalty which ultimately proved to be the winner in Juventus U19s 2-1 win over Sampdoria U19s on 3 February.
GREECE
Daniel Mancini started and played for 65 minutes in Aris Thessaloniki’s impressive 0-2 win away at AEK Athens.
CYPRUS
Adrian Lucero played a full 90 minutes in Paralimni’s 1-0 win over Ermis on 4 February. Emanuel Dening also started but was replaced after 79 minutes.
TURKEY
Nehuén Paz made his debut for Kayserispor on 3 February, coming off the bench on 78 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Alanyaspor. On 7 February, he made his first full start in another 1-1 draw, this time away to Erzurum BB.
MALTA
Federico Falcone played a full 90 minutes in Birkirkara’s 0-3 away win at Zejtun Corinthians.
SAUDI ARABIA
Ever Banega scored from the spot and assisted another in Al-Shabab’s 4-1 league win over Al-Raed on 6 February. Banega’s side are top of the Saudi Professional League.
Cristian Lema was left out of Damac’s squad at the weekend as rumours about his future continue to spread. He is tipped for a return to Argentina, to either Newell’s or Independiente.
JAPAN
Cristian Battocchio signed for Tokushima Vortis.
UNITED STATES
Joaquín Torres moved to the MLS to play for Club de Foot Montréal (formerly Montreal Impact)
MEXICO
Nahuel Guzmán will play in the FIFA Club World Cup Final against Bayern Munich after he helped his side Tigres beat Ulsan Hyundai (2-1) in the quarter-final on 4 February and Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras (0-1, clean sheet for Guzmán) on 7 February. It’s another milestone in Guzmán’s colourful career and Newell’s fans will be hoping he can return from Qatar as a world champion!
Andrés Lillini’s Pumas were beaten 1-0 by Monterrey in the Liga MX on 6 February.
Santiago Solari’s Club América were victorious in a 1-0 win over 10-man Puebla on 6 February.
CHILE
Juan Pablo Vojvoda‘s Unión La Calera continued a shaky run of form with a 1-1 draw with Antofagasta on 5 February. They trail leaders Universidad Católica by 5 points but play them next.
Roberto Sensini‘s Everton were beaten 1-3 at home by Palestino.
PARAGUAY
Luis Leal made his debut for Sol de America, coming on as a 75 minute substitute in their 1-3 defeat to Cerro Porteño who started former Newell’s man Marcos Cácares at centre-back.
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