The fifth round of the Argentine Liga Profesional de Fútbol concludes with a single fixture on Monday evening, as Deportivo Riestra host Newell’s Old Boys at the Guillermo Laza Stadium. Both sides enter this encounter in desperate need of a victory after a disappointing start to the season. With only one point each from their opening four matches, this clash could prove crucial in shaping their early campaign momentum.

Deportivo Riestra’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Deportivo Riestra have endured a tough beginning to the season, collecting just one point from a possible twelve. Their only draw came in a 1-1 result against Barracas Central, while defeats to Estudiantes, Defensa y Justicia, and Boca Juniors all ended 1-0. The team’s main issue has been their lack of attacking efficiency, having scored only two goals across five matches in all competitions. Their defensive structure has kept them competitive, but the inability to convert chances has cost them valuable points.

Statistically, the numbers underline their low-scoring trend:

• Under 2.5 goals have been recorded in each of their last 11 matches.


• They have not lost at half time in 19 of their last 20 home games.


• At least one team failed to score in 15 of their last 16 home fixtures in the league.


• Average goals scored: 0.3 per match; average conceded: 1.0.

Despite their struggles, Riestra’s resilience before the break and their ability to keep games tight at home could be key factors in this encounter. Their defensive discipline often forces opponents into low-margin contests, which aligns with their consistent record of matches finishing with few goals.

Newell’s Old Boys’ Recent Form and Key Stats

Newell’s Old Boys are also going through a difficult period, mirroring their hosts’ record with one draw and three defeats in the opening four rounds. Their only point came from a 1-1 home draw against Independiente, while losses to Talleres, Boca Juniors, and Defensa y Justicia have left them near the bottom of the standings. The team’s defensive fragility has been a major concern, conceding an average of two goals per match, while their attack has struggled to find consistency.

Recent trends highlight their ongoing issues:

• They have lost at half time in their last three league matches.


• They have failed to win at half time in 21 of their last 22 games.


• Average goals scored: 1.0 per match; average conceded: 2.0.

Newell’s are currently ranked 15th, just one place below Riestra, and their poor defensive record has placed them under pressure in the relegation averages. Their last outing, a 3-2 defeat to Defensa y Justicia, showed some attacking improvement but also exposed their defensive vulnerabilities. To turn things around, they will need to tighten up at the back and rediscover the balance that once made them a competitive side in the league.

Deportivo Riestra vs Newell’s Old Boys Analysis

Both teams enter this match with similar weaknesses and identical point totals, which suggests a cautious and evenly balanced contest. Deportivo Riestra have been particularly strong in the first halves of their matches, rarely trailing before the break, while Newell’s Old Boys have often found themselves chasing games early on. This contrast could shape the rhythm of the encounter, with the hosts likely to focus on maintaining their defensive solidity and exploiting counterattacks.

Historically, the head-to-head record slightly favors Newell’s, with one win and one draw in their previous two meetings. The last encounter ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but given both teams’ current form, a repeat of such a high-scoring affair seems unlikely. The statistical trends overwhelmingly point toward a low-scoring match, with both sides struggling to find the net consistently.

For Deportivo Riestra, the key will be to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain their compact defensive shape. For Newell’s Old Boys, avoiding early mistakes and improving their defensive transitions will be essential to secure a positive result. Given their shared difficulties in front of goal, patience and discipline could determine the outcome.

BetMines Prediction: Deportivo Riestra vs Newell’s Old Boys

According to the latest data, the most likely scenario for this fixture is a low-scoring game. The BetMines model indicates a strong tendency toward Under 2.5 goals with a 64% probability. Both teams have shown limited attacking output and solid defensive phases, suggesting that a tight, tactical battle is on the cards.

Deportivo Riestra vs Newell’s Old Boys prediction from BetMines: Under 2.5 goals with 64% probability.