Newell’s Old Boys claimed a crucial 3-2 away win over Unión de Santa Fe at Estadio 15 de Abril on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Matchday 15 of the Torneo Apertura Mercado Libre. The result marked Newell’s third victory of the 2026 season and lifted them clear of the relegation zone in Zona A, even as Unión’s playoff hopes suffered a significant setback.
The match began with Unión taking an early lead through a goal by Chelo Estigarribia, putting the home side ahead in the opening minutes. However, Newell’s responded with resilience, turning the game around after falling behind. The visitors equalized through an own goal by Unión goalkeeper Matías Mansilla, who inadvertently directed the ball into his own net following a corner kick and a scramble in the box. After a VAR review, the goal was awarded to Newell’s, leveling the score.
Newell’s continued to press and eventually took the lead before halftime. The momentum shifted firmly in their favor during the second half, where they added two more goals to secure the win. Ramírez, who had recently entered the game as a substitute, played a key role in the buildup to Newell’s third goal, assisting Matías Mansilla for the finish at the edge of the area. The goal sparked celebrations among Newell’s players and fans, symbolizing a turning point in their campaign.
Unión managed to pull one goal back through a remarkable individual effort by Menossi, who capitalized on a rebound after Reinatti saved a one-on-one chance against Tarragona. Despite the late goal, Unión could not discover an equalizer, and Newell’s held on to claim all three points. The victory was Newell’s first away win of the tournament and came at a vital stage of the season as both teams fought for contrasting objectives.
For Newell’s, the win represented progress under head coach Frank Darío Kudelka, who had previously expressed confidence in the team’s upward trajectory following a goalless draw with San Lorenzo. The result ended a demanding run and provided much-needed breathing room from the relegation battle. Conversely, Unión’s loss left them with 19 points, slipping behind Talleres and Boca Juniors in the standings and complicating their push for a playoff berth. Head coach Leonardo Madelón acknowledged the need to bounce back after the defeat, emphasizing that the goal remained finishing in the top eight.
The match took place at Estadio 15 de Abril in Santa Fe, Argentina, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Local time. The attendance and weather conditions were not detailed in the verified sources. Newell’s will look to build on this result in their next fixture, while Unión faces the challenge of regaining form ahead of their upcoming matches.
As the Torneo Apertura enters its decisive phase, Newell’s victory serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define the competition. Their ability to respond to adversity and secure points on the road could prove pivotal in determining their final standing. For Unión, the loss underscores the urgency to convert draws into wins if they are to remain in contention for a postseason spot.
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