The upcoming clash between Newell’s Old Boys and Instituto AC Córdoba in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol promises to be a tense and strategic encounter. Both teams arrive with contrasting motivations: while Newell’s are already out of playoff contention, they remain focused on improving their position in the annual table to avoid relegation concerns. Instituto, on the other hand, still have a chance to reach the top eight, but they must close the gap in the final rounds. With both sides showing limited attacking output in recent weeks, this fixture could be defined by defensive discipline and small details rather than offensive fireworks.

Newell’s Old Boys: Form and Key Statistics

Newell’s Old Boys have shown signs of recovery in recent matches, collecting three wins and one draw in their last five outings. Their recent 2-3 victory against Unión Santa Fe on April 17, 2026, highlighted their ability to compete away from home, even if consistency has been elusive throughout the season. In the current Liga Profesional campaign, they hold a record of 3 wins, 4 draws, and 7 defeats, averaging 0.9 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match.

Despite their improved form, the team’s offensive struggles remain evident: they have scored only 13 goals in 14 games, a figure that underlines their difficulties in creating and converting chances. However, their recent positive streak has provided valuable points for the annual standings, where every unit counts to avoid relegation. Maintaining defensive focus and capitalizing on limited opportunities will be crucial if they want to continue their upward trajectory.

• Ranking: 14th in Liga Profesional de Fútbol.


• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat.


• Average goals scored: 1.4; conceded: 1.0.


• Season average goals: 0.9 scored, 1.8 conceded.

Instituto AC Córdoba: Form and Key Statistics

Instituto approach this fixture with the ambition of breaking into the playoff zone. They currently sit 10th in the standings, just two points away from the top eight. Their recent 0-1 loss against Estudiantes on April 18, 2026, interrupted a solid run of results, but overall, they have taken 9 of the last 15 points available. Their record over the last five matches stands at three wins and two defeats, with an average of 1.0 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded per game.

While their home performances have been reliable, playing away continues to be a challenge. Instituto have managed just one victory in their last 11 away fixtures, though that win came recently against Deportivo Riestra (1-0). Their matches tend to be tight and low-scoring, with Under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last 13 away games and in their last 12 overall. This pattern suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking risk.

• Ranking: 10th in Liga Profesional de Fútbol.


• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats.


• Average goals scored: 1.0; conceded: 0.6.


• Season average goals: 1.0 scored, 1.1 conceded.


• Under 3.5 goals in last 13 away matches.


• At least one team failed to score at half time in 31 of their last 33 matches.

Newell’s Old Boys vs Instituto: Tactical Overview and Prediction

This encounter is expected to be a balanced and low-scoring affair. Both teams have shown defensive consistency in recent weeks, and their head-to-head history also supports this trend: Instituto have won the last two meetings, including a 0-2 result in June 2024, with an average of 0.5 goals scored by Newell’s and 2.5 conceded. Given these numbers, it is likely that both sides will prioritize structure and patience over open attacking play.

For Newell’s, the key will be to maintain their recent momentum and take advantage of home support to secure points that could prove vital in the annual table. Instituto, meanwhile, must overcome their away difficulties if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. With both teams averaging around one goal per game and showing strong defensive tendencies, a match with limited scoring opportunities seems the most probable scenario.

Statistically, the probabilities are evenly split for a result in the 1X2 market: Newell’s Old Boys win 35%, Draw 29%, and Instituto win 35%. The Both Teams To Score – No option is slightly favored at 53%, while the Under 2.5 goals outcome stands out with a 60% likelihood, reinforcing the expectation of a tight contest.

Newell’s Old Boys vs Instituto prediction from BetMines: Under 2.5 goals with 60% probability.