In a rollercoaster match, Newell’s Old Boys let slip a golden opportunity for three points, drawing 3-3 with Deportivo Riestra in a dramatic encounter on Friday evening.
The Lepers seemed to have the game under control early on, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Mateo Silvetti opened the scoring, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error, before Ever Banega doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Riestra was reduced to 10 men.
However, Newell’s inexplicably allowed Riestra back into the match just before halftime. Jonathan Herrera scored twice in quick succession to level the scores, stunning the visitors.
The second half saw Newell’s push for a winner, which finally came in stoppage time through Silvetti’s second goal of the night. But in a cruel twist, Riestra snatched an equalizer with virtually the last kick of the game, as Benegas volleyed home following a long throw-in.
The result leaves Ricardo Lunari’s side unbeaten but frustrated, having failed to make their numerical advantage count for much of the match. Newell’s will rue their defensive lapses and inability to close out a game that should have been comfortably won.
