Liga Profesional
Newells Old Boys Edge Banfield in Rosario Thriller, Win 2-1
M. Coccaro's brace lifts hosts to victory after late penalty drama
Newells Old Boys secured a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Banfield at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa in a Liga Profesional Argentina clash that delivered late drama and a red card in stoppage time.
The match began with tension as Banfield's T. Adoryan picked up a yellow card in the 4th minute, setting the tone for a physical encounter. Newells responded with their own caution, as J. Gomez was booked just before halftime in the 44th minute. The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock despite the early pressure.
The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute when Newells Old Boys' M. Coccaro found the net, capitalizing on an assist from W. Mazzantti. The goal gave the home side the momentum they needed, but Banfield remained dangerous, with F. Alvarez earning a yellow card in the 50th minute as the visitors pushed forward.
Newells doubled their lead in the 77th minute, with Coccaro scoring again, this time assisted by F. Guch. The goal appeared to seal the victory for the hosts, but Banfield showed resilience and were awarded a penalty in the 90+8th minute. B. Sepulveda converted the spot-kick, pulling one back for the visitors and setting up a tense final moment.
Just moments after the penalty, Banfield's P. Troglio was shown a red card in the 90+8th minute, dealing a significant blow to the visitors' hopes of salvaging a point. The dismissal left Banfield with ten men as the final whistle blew, confirming Newells Old Boys' 2-1 victory.
The result leaves Newells Old Boys in sixth place in Clausura - Group A with seven points from five matches, while Banfield sits 11th in Clausura - Group B, also on seven points. Referee F. Viola oversaw a match that will be remembered for its late drama and decisive moments in the final minutes.
Both teams will take away valuable lessons from this encounter, with Newells celebrating a hard-fought win and Banfield left to rue missed opportunities and a costly red card in stoppage time.