Newell’s Old Boys returns to the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa on Friday to host Vélez Sarsfield in the 9th round of the Torneo Clausura 2026, looking to extend a four-match unbeaten run and protect its standing inside the playoff positions. According to reports from regional outlets including Conclusión, the Rosario side enters the fixture sitting on 12 points following a 1–1 draw away to Rosario Central in the city derby.
Stakes in the Clausura Standings
Under the direction of Frank Darío Kudelka, the team aims to consolidate its place among the top eight teams in its zone. As noted in match previews, the club holds 12 points and needs a result at home to fend off pressure from chasing sides like Lanús and San Lorenzo, who sit just outside the qualification places with 10 points each.
On the opposing side, Vélez Sarsfield arrives as one of the standout performers of the tournament. Managed by Guillermo Barros Schelotto, El Fortín shares the top spot in Zone A alongside Instituto and Gimnasia de Mendoza, having accumulated 16 points through the opening stretch of the campaign.
Team News and Probable Lineups
Preparation for the clash at the Coloso del Parque has seen minimal tactical adjustments from the coaching staff. According to local coverage, defender Escobar is the sole confirmed absentee for the hosts due to a physical discomfort.
The reported probable formations for Friday’s encounter feature:
- Newell’s: Josué Reinatti; Martín Ortega, Lautaro Giannetti, Lucas Carrizo, Jerónimo Russo or Bruno Cabrera; Luca Regiardo, Rodrigo Herrera; Walter Mazzanti, Facundo Guch, Santiago Solari; Matías Cóccaro. Coach: Frank Darío Kudelka.
- Vélez: Tomás Marchiori; Joaquín García, Lisandro Magallán, Thiago Silvero, Elías Gómez; Claudio Baeza, Rodrigo Aliendro; Matías Pellegrini, Manuel Lanzini, Lucas Robertone; Florián Monzón. Coach: Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
The officiating crew assigned to the match consists of referee Nicolás Ramírez, with Salomé Di Iorio overseeing the VAR booth.
Access and Circulation Adjustments
Local authorities and club organizers have announced notable logistical changes around the stadium due to the concurrent scheduling of the XIII Juegos Suramericanos Santa Fe 2026. Matchgoers have been advised of specific perimeter alterations:
- Boulevard Oroño: Closed to vehicular traffic from Cochabamba to 27 de Febrero.
- Popular Diego A. Maradona: Entry will exceptionally be routed via Godoy and Ovidio Lagos, skirting the Platea de la Visera to reach the designated gates.
- Vehicle Access: West sector entries (Ovidio Lagos and Godoy) will remain closed during the fixture, while the east sector access via Oroño and Cochabamba will operate normally.
Club officials have urged members and supporters to arrive early to manage the modified security and traffic checkpoints smoothly.
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