Defensa y Justicia triumphed over Newell’s 3-2 in a closely contested match held at the Coloso del Parque, marking their successful start under the management of Mariano Soso. Juan Bautista Miritello was the standout performer, scoring twice at the 31st minute of the first half and the 49th minute of the second half. Ayrton Portillo also contributed with a goal at the 63rd minute, which was crucial for sealing the win.
Newell’s, guided by Favio Orsi, attempted to mount a comeback with goals from Matías Cóccaro at the 76th minute and Oscar Salomón shortly after at the 52nd minute, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. Despite Newell’s relentless attack, which saw them take 19 shots with 7 on target, Defensa and Justicia held firm to secure all three points.
Miritello’s exceptional performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, as he not only scored twice but also made two attempts on goal. Similarly, Ayrton Portillo’s standout moment also included a goal that helped the team in securing the win.
The tactical setup unveiled by Newell’s was a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Gabriel Arias in goal and a defensive line comprising Armando Méndez, Saúl Salcedo, Oscar Salomón, and Martín Luciano. The midfield included Rodrigo Herrera, Jerónimo Gómez Mattar, Facundo Guch, Matías Cóccaro, and Walter Nuñez, with Luciano Herrera leading the front line.
On the other hand, Defensa y Justicia employed a 3-4-3 strategy with Cristopher Fiermarín in goal; Lucas Souto, Emiliano Amor, and Damián Fernández forming the back three; Ayrton Portillo, Santiago Sosa Yung, Aarón Molinas, and Samuel Lucero controlling midfield; and Rubén Botta, Juan Bautista Miritello, and Juan Manuel Gutiérrez spearheading the attack.
The match was overseen by referee Felipe Viola. In upcoming fixtures, Newell’s will face Dep. Riestra while Defensa y Justicia prepares to host Vélez.
Substitutions for Newell’s:
- 45’ 2T – Martín Luciano out for Jerónimo Russo, Jerónimo Gómez Mattar out for David Sotelo, and Luciano Herrera out for Michael Hoyos.
- 70’ 2T – Walter Nuñez out for Franco García.
- 85’ 2T – Facundo Guch out for Juan Ignacio Ramírez.
Yellow Cards for Newell’s:
- 12’ 1T Jerónimo Gómez Mattar (Unsporting Behavior)
- 42’ 1T Martín Luciano (Unsporting Behavior)
- 23’ 2T Rodrigo Herrera (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing)
- 35’ 2T Saúl Salcedo (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Substitutions for Defensa y Justicia:
- 64’ 2T – Rubén Botta out for Facundo Altamira.
- 72’ 2T – Juan Bautista Miritello out for Agustín Hausch and Santiago Sosa Yung out for Ever Banega.
- 90’ 2T – Aarón Molinas out for Julián López and Juan Manuel Gutiérrez out for David Fernández.
Yellow Card for Defensa y Justicia:
- 48’ 2T Ever Banega (Unsporting Behavior)