Overview

• Belgrano’s first goal came after a VAR-checked offside call at the other end and a misplay by goalkeeper Juan Espínola that Francisco González Metilli punished around the 38th minute.
• Newell’s earned a penalty minutes later when Thiago Cardozo fouled Darío Benedetto as the hosts sought a quick equalizer before halftime.
• Referee Edgardo Zamora had to prompt Benedetto multiple times to take the kick, and after bench signals to hold position Cardozo saved a weak, central shot and celebrated.
• Although Ever Banega was on the field as Newell’s usual penalty taker, Benedetto elected to take the spot kick himself.
• The miss extended Benedetto’s reported drought to 36 matches and about 1,816 minutes without a goal since February 5, 2024, as coach Cristian Fabbiani publicly defended his choice to take penalties.