Newell's Old Boys beat Banfield 2-1 in the Superliga, thanks to a second-half brace from Matías Cóccaro. Banfield pulled one back in the 90th minute but could not get level. It was a win built on clinical finishing rather than overall control.
The match was goalless until the 51st minute, when Cóccaro scored from Walter Mazzantti's assist. He made it 2-0 in the 77th minute, this time set up by Facundo Gauch. Bruno Sepúlveda scored Banfield's late reply in the 90th minute, but it arrived too late to change the result.
Matías Cóccaro's two goals were the difference, yet Banfield shaded expected goals 1.61 to 1.43 and matched Newell's six shots on target. Newell's were more clinical, converting two of their four big chances while Banfield scored one from two. The hosts edged possession with 53%.
