The new stage of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol begins with an intriguing clash between Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza and Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero. The home side return to official competition aiming to extend the strong momentum that closed their Apertura campaign, where they achieved three consecutive home victories. A fourth straight success would not only confirm their excellent form at home but also strengthen their position in the standings, where they currently sit sixth. For the visitors, this match represents an opportunity to bounce back after a disappointing first half of the year, which ended with a home defeat against Boca Juniors and an early elimination from their group.

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza: Home Strength and Consistency

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza have shown solid performances in front of their supporters, winning their last three home matches against Defensa y Justicia, Lanús, and Vélez Sarsfield. Their recent form includes two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five games, averaging one goal scored and 1.4 conceded per match. Over the course of the season, their record stands at five wins, four draws, and seven losses, with an average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game.

Defensively, the team has been involved in low-scoring encounters. In 19 of their last 20 home matches, fewer than 3.5 goals were scored, and in 39 of their last 40 overall matches, at least one team failed to score in the second half. These statistics highlight a pattern of tight, controlled games where defensive organization often takes precedence over attacking risk.

• Under 3.5 goals in 19 of the last 20 home matches.


• At least one team failed to score in the second half in 39 of the last 40 matches.


• Average goals scored: 0.9 per game.


• Average goals conceded: 1.4 per game.

With the home advantage and recent positive results, Gimnasia aim to build on their momentum and continue their climb up the table. Their ability to maintain defensive discipline while capitalizing on key chances could be decisive in this fixture.

Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero: Struggles Away from Home

Central Córdoba SdE ended the first half of the season with a 1-2 defeat against Boca Juniors and have struggled to find consistency, particularly on the road. Their recent record shows one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five matches, with an average of 1.2 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game. Over the season, they have collected four wins, four draws, and eight losses, averaging 0.7 goals scored and 1.3 conceded per match.

One of the most concerning aspects for the visitors is their away form. In 2026, they have played eight away matches without a single victory, recording five defeats and three draws. Their offensive production tends to drop significantly when playing away, and their matches often feature few goals before halftime. In fact, under 1.5 goals have been scored in the first half of 18 of their last 20 away games, and at least one team failed to score before the break in 38 of their last 40 matches overall.

• Under 1.5 goals at halftime in 18 of the last 20 away matches.


• No away wins in eight games this year (5 defeats, 3 draws).


• Average goals scored: 0.7 per game.


• Average goals conceded: 1.3 per game.

Currently positioned second in the league standings, Central Córdoba will need to overcome their away difficulties if they want to maintain their spot near the top. However, their inability to secure victories on the road remains a major obstacle to sustaining long-term success.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

The recent history between these two sides slightly favors Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza, who have won three of the last five meetings, drawing one and losing one, with an average of 1.4 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match. The most recent encounter ended 0-1 in favor of Central Córdoba on January 23, 2026, but the overall balance suggests a competitive rivalry with narrow scorelines.

Given both teams’ statistical tendencies, this match is likely to be a cautious affair. Gimnasia’s home matches rarely produce more than three goals, while Central Córdoba’s away fixtures often feature long goalless stretches, especially in the first half. The hosts will look to impose their rhythm early, using their home confidence to control possession and limit the visitors’ attacking transitions. Meanwhile, Central Córdoba may rely on compact defending and counterattacks to find scoring opportunities.

Both sides have shown defensive discipline, and the data points toward another low-scoring contest. The key battle will likely take place in midfield, where Gimnasia’s ability to recover the ball and transition quickly could make the difference.

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza vs Central Córdoba SdE Prediction

Considering the statistical patterns and recent performances, Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza appear to have the upper hand, especially given their strong home form and the visitors’ struggles away from home. The probability model indicates a 54% chance of a home win, 27% for a draw, and 19% for an away victory. Additionally, the likelihood of Under 2.5 goals stands at 60%, reinforcing the expectation of a tight and low-scoring encounter.

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza vs Central Córdoba SdE prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with 54% probability.