Instituto’s unbeaten record gives them an edge against Newells

Instituto’s recent momentum

Instituto Cordoba go into Sunday’s Clausura, Group A meeting unbeaten in seven league matches, with three wins and two draws in their last five. They have scored 11 goals in that five-game stretch, and their latest league match ended in a draw. Newells Old Boys also drew most recently and are unbeaten in three, but their last five brought one win, three draws and a defeat.

A gap at the top

Instituto lead the Clausura, Group A standings with 33 points from 15 matches, six places and 11 points above seventh-placed Newells, who have played the same number of games. Instituto’s home record strengthens their position: 10 wins, two draws and three defeats across 15 league matches, with 23 goals scored and 13 conceded.

Newells have found away results harder to secure. They have won three, drawn five and lost seven of their 15 league games on the road, scoring 12 and conceding 22. With the hosts setting the pace in the group, another positive result would help them protect that lead.

Instituto hold the recent edge

The head-to-head record is central to this fixture’s story. Instituto are unbeaten in the last three meetings, winning twice while Newells have not won any; the sequence also includes one draw. The most recent encounter, in April, finished 1-1 at Newells. Before that, Instituto won 2-0 away in June 2024 and 3-1 at home in February 2023.

Two of those three matches featured no more than two goals, suggesting the recent rivalry has often been close. Still, Instituto’s record against Newells gives the leaders a reason for confidence.

Goals in contrasting form

Instituto have scored 11 times across their last five league matches, while Newells have conceded three in that span. Newells’ own attack has also produced only three goals in their last five, a contrast with Instituto’s recent output. The visitors’ away record, with 22 goals conceded in 15 league games, will be another test against a side scoring 1.5 goals per home match across the league season.

Our prediction

Instituto’s seven-game unbeaten run, stronger home record and recent success in this matchup point towards a narrow home victory. Newells’ three consecutive unbeaten matches suggest they can keep the contest competitive, but Instituto’s greater attacking output gives them the edge.

Instituto Cordoba 1-0 Newells Old Boys