August 10, 2024, 11:52 PM
When the Rosario derby seemed destined for another goalless stalemate, a rebound goal by Uruguayan defender Facundo Mallo seven minutes from the end secured a tight 1-0 victory for Central over Newell’s. This victory solidified the position of interim coach Matias Lequi, who replaced Miguel Angel Russo after their win over Gimnasia on Monday. He will next lead the team in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 against Fortaleza on Wednesday.
Newell’s, meanwhile, have gone four games without a win. This defeat, coupled with their previous home loss to Estudiantes, where they have scored only three goals in their last seven matches, casts doubt on the continuity of Sebastián Méndez as technical director.
The red-and-black team had initially taken the lead through Francisco González, but this goal was disallowed by VAR due to a minor offside infringement by Angelo Martino. Martino was later sent off in the 76th minute, leaving Newell’s with one man less. Central capitalized on this numerical disadvantage, with a free kick from Ignacio Malcorra that goalkeeper Macagno could not handle, leading to Mallo’s opportunistic goal and the final result.