Argentina’s storied Copa Argentina delivers another compelling clash as Defensa y Justicia square off against Newells Old Boys in Round 2 on 23 May 2025 at 03:10 CEST. The Estadio Unico de San Nicolas, nestled in bustling San Nicolás, provides a neutral battleground, elevating the stakes for both clubs as they vie for progression in this illustrious national competition.
Defensa y Justicia enter the fray under the tactical stewardship of Pablo de Muner, eager to convert draws into decisive wins after a challenging spring run. Across the pitch, Cristian Fabbiani’s Newells side are building momentum, their defensive strength complemented by flashes of attacking brilliance.
Among the players to watch, the all-action Gastón Togni for Defensa y Justicia brings directness and penetration from the flanks, while Gonzalo Maroni’s creative ingenuity stands out in the Newells midfield. Both have the quality to tip the game’s delicate balance.
Notably, Defensa y Justicia have amassed an impressive tally of 84 total shots across their last five fixtures, highlighting their ability to sustain offensive pressure even when goals are elusive.
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Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys predictions
Me best bet: Double Chance – Newells Old Boys or Draw
With Newells Old Boys entering the tie having suffered just one defeat in their last five matches and showing slightly superior form, this option provides the most reliable value. Defensa, despite generating the higher volume of shots, have struggled to translate chances into victories – a trend, given their current run of six matches with no wins, that cannot be ignored. Newells’ organization and ability to grind out results suggest that avoiding defeat here is within reach, particularly with their measured attacking approach and composure under pressure.
Statistically, Defensa’s average of over 16 shots per game (based on the last five outings), coupled with Newells’ more cautious, possession-based style (fewer total shots but better defensive compactness), sets up an intriguing contest between attacking intent and controlled resistance. Both teams see a significant number of fouls and yellow cards (8 bookings for Defensa, 7 for Newells in last five matches), forecasting moments of tension and perhaps set-piece drama. Expect a physically robust contest, with each side seeking to dictate rhythm through midfield presses and tactical fouls, potentially suppressing open play and keeping scoring moderate.
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Defensa y Justicia | Newells Old Boys |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 2 |
| Total shots | 84 | 24 |
| Free kicks | 6 | 1 |
| Corner kicks | 23 | 6 |
| Total fouls | 46 | 35 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 78 | 68 |
| Interceptions | 32 | 24 |
| Offsides | 7 | 2 |
Looking back, recent encounters have been tight and competitive. In their Argentine Primera meeting this spring, Defensa clinched a narrow 1-0 victory. Yet, the previous clash in 2024 saw Newells edge a tense 1-0 away win, reinforcing the unpredictability at play. Statistically, Defensa’s capacity to create — 84 shots and 23 corners over their last five — is striking, but Newells’ defensive application and discipline often frustrate opponents and limit clear-cut chances. These matches tend toward low-scoring, gritty affairs settled by moments of quality or set pieces.
🚨Read our full Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys stats for more analysis.

Newells Old Boys. Source: Official Website
Key Stats
- Defensa y Justicia are winless in their last six matches (0W, 3D, 3L).
- Newells Old Boys have lost only one of their last five matches.
- Across the last five games, Defensa y Justicia have averaged 16.8 shots per game.
- Newells’ defence have conceded just two goals in their last five.
- Recent H2Hs over the last two years have ended 1-0 in either direction.
- Both sides average over 7 fouls per match, indicating a likely physical contest.
Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys score prediction: 1-1
Given both clubs’ recent goal-scoring trends and defensive strengths, a 1-1 draw emerges as the most logical forecast. Gastón Togni’s incisive runs offer Defensa hope, but Newells’ resilience — marshalled by veterans like Luciano Lollo — suggests they will not go quietly. Expect a cagey, tactical encounter where key moments from Maroni or Togni could tip the balance, but defenses may ultimately prevail.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Newells Old Boys the favourite
- Moneyline Defensa y Justicia 2.80 | Newells Old Boys 2.65
- Draw 2.85
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.85 | Under 2.5 1.60
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.20 | No 1.66
The odds slightly favour Newells Old Boys, a nod to their steadier form and defensive confidence. While not overwhelming, the bookmakers’ gap between home and away sides reflects Newells’ marginally greater win rate (35 percent this year) and recent ability to grind out results. Nevertheless, a high probability of a draw — supported by competitive H2H context and both teams’ scoring issues — reinforces the prediction for a balanced, tense affair. Under 2.5 goals is particularly well priced considering both teams’ preference for controlled, defensively disciplined matches.
Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys Over/Under Analysis
- Four of the last five matches involving Defensa y Justicia have finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Newells Old Boys have kept clean sheets in three of their previous five outings.
- The last three H2Hs produced no more than one goal per match.
- Set-piece opportunities — corners and free kicks — have been frequent, especially for Defensa.
Defensa y Justicia Preview
Defensa y Justicia’s struggles are underscored by a winless sequence encompassing three draws and three losses in their last six outings. The most recent display, a 1-1 home draw against Universidad Catolica, saw Defensa dominate in terms of attempts and possession, but suffer for wastefulness in front of goal. The trend persisted in previous Copa and league fixtures, where their high shot volume and corner count (23 corners in five games) could not be converted into meaningful advantages. Defensive lapses and disciplinary issues — 8 yellow cards in those five matches — remain concerns for coach De Muner, who must find a formula that converts promise into progress.

Defensa y Justicia possible starting eleven
- GK: Enrique Bologna
- DF: Alexis Soto, Emanuel Aguilera, Ezequiel Cannavo, Rafael Delgado
- MF: Kevin Gutiérrez, César Pérez, Lucas González
- FW: Gastón Togni, Abiel Alessio Osorio, Francisco González
Newells Old Boys Preview
Newells Old Boys have shown incremental growth, capturing one win, two draws, and only one defeat in their last four. Their latest rehearsal, a comprehensive 2-0 win over Huracan, highlighted improved ball retention and Maroni’s ability to orchestrate quick transitions. Despite a modest total of 24 shots in their last five, Newells excel at making the most of sparse opportunities, relying on direct, purposeful forays and structured pressing out of possession. Cristian Fabbiani’s defensive setup is well-rehearsed and difficult to break down, as their recent string of clean sheets makes clear.
Newells Old Boys possible starting eleven
- GK: Keylor Navas
- DF: Saúl Salcedo, Víctor Cuesta, Ángelo Martino, Tomás Jacob
- MF: Juan Ignacio Méndez, David Sotelo, Gonzalo Maroni
- FW: Luciano Lollo, L. Herrera, Carlos González

Defensa y Justicia. Source: Official Website
Our prediction: Who Wins?
As a TipsGG team expert, my main pick is a hard-fought draw (1-1), with the double chance on Newells Old Boys or Draw recommended for cautious bettors. The match’s tempo will likely be governed by midfield duels and structured transitions, with key playmakers Togni and Maroni holding the creative keys. According to our dedicated AI prediction engine, the win probability sits at 35 percent Newells, 32 percent Defensa, and 33 percent draw — almost perfectly balanced, befitting two sides that know each other well and leave little to chance in high-stakes knockout football.
How to watch Defensa y Justicia vs Newells Old Boys
- When? 23 May 2025, 03:10 CEST
- Where? Estadio Unico de San Nicolas, San Nicolas (neutral venue)
- How to watch: Available via local Copa Argentina broadcasters and streaming platforms
- Favourite: Newells Old Boys
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