The third round of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol brings an intriguing clash between Unión de Santa Fe and Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza. Both sides arrive with contrasting sensations after their first two matches of the 2026 Apertura. Unión are still searching for their first victory of the year, while Gimnasia, recently promoted, have already tasted success in their top-flight return. The match will be played on Monday night, and both teams will be eager to gain momentum early in the campaign.

Unión de Santa Fe’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Unión de Santa Fe have endured a slow start to the new season. After a goalless draw at home against Platense, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Lanús on January 29, leaving them with just one point from two matches. Their overall record in the last five games shows 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, with an average of 0.4 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match. These numbers highlight their current offensive struggles, as they have found the net only once in the Apertura so far.

Playing at the Estadio 15 de Abril has not been the advantage it once was. Unión have managed to win only 1 of their last 8 home matches in all competitions, drawing five and losing two. Low-scoring encounters have been a recurring theme: Under 0.5 goals have been recorded in 4 of their last 10 league matches, and in 3 of their last 10 home fixtures in the Liga Profesional. Ranked 12th in the table, the Santa Fe side must rediscover their attacking rhythm if they want to climb higher.

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza have made a respectable start to life back in the top division. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero, followed by a narrow 0-1 defeat to San Lorenzo on January 27. Their season record stands at 1 win and 1 loss, with averages of 0.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per match. Over their last five games, they have collected 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat, showing a balanced and disciplined approach.

Defensive solidity has been a defining feature of Gimnasia’s recent performances. Incredibly, Under 3.5 goals have been scored in each of their last 40 matches, while Under 2.5 goals have occurred in their last 10 games. Away from home, the trend continues: all of their last 19 away fixtures have seen fewer than 3.5 goals. Moreover, at least one team failed to score in 37 of their last 40 matches, underlining their cautious and compact style. Currently sitting 9th in the standings, Gimnasia will aim to secure another valuable point on the road.

Head-to-Head and Match Analysis

The most recent meeting between these sides took place on April 18, 2024, when Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza claimed a 2-1 victory. That result remains Unión’s only defeat in their brief head-to-head history, as they have yet to beat the Mendoza outfit. On average, Unión have scored 1.0 goal and conceded 2.0 per match in this fixture.

Given both teams’ current form, this encounter is expected to be tight and low-scoring. Unión’s home struggles and Gimnasia’s defensive consistency suggest that clear chances may be scarce. The hosts will try to impose their rhythm early, but Gimnasia’s disciplined backline could frustrate them for long periods. A draw at half-time appears a realistic scenario, especially considering that both sides have shown limited attacking output in the opening rounds.

Statistical Summary

• Unión Santa Fe: 0 wins in last 5 matches; average goals scored 0.4, conceded 0.8.


• Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza: 2 wins in last 5 matches; average goals scored 0.8, conceded 0.6.


• Under 2.5 goals in 10 consecutive Gimnasia matches.


• BTTS – No in 37 of Gimnasia’s last 40 fixtures.


• Win probabilities: Unión 41%, Draw 31%, Gimnasia 28%.

Unión de Santa Fe vs Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza Prediction

All indicators point toward a balanced and cautious contest. Unión will rely on home support to break their winless streak, while Gimnasia’s compact structure could make them difficult to penetrate. Considering the statistical trends and both teams’ recent scoring patterns, a low-scoring match seems likely.

BetMines prediction: Under 2.5 goals with a 60% probability.