The Argentine Primera Division resumes its fervent campaign as Deportivo Riestra takes on Newells Old Boys in a vital Apertura Group A tie on February 17, 2026. The match, scheduled for midnight CEST, will unfold at the historic Guillermo Laza Stadium in Flores, where the echo of Argentine football history pulses through the stands.
Though early-season form is absent for both sides so far—each having accrued a solitary point from four matches—the stakes remain immense. Deportivo Riestra, under Gustavo Benítez, relies on a compact 4-3-3 system rooted in defensive organization, while Sergio Gómez’s Newells Old Boys have attempted to steady their campaign with a flexible 5-3-2 that morphs into a 3-5-2 when pushing forward.
Within this tactical context, much will be expected from Riestra’s industrious forward Antony Alonso, whose tireless pressing and nimble footwork can disrupt Newells’ backline, and Newells Old Boys’ Matías Cóccaro—a forward whose physicality and aerial threat enable his team to transition swiftly from defense to attack. These pivotal battles will shape the rhythm of a contest where margins are razor-thin.
Hot stat: Newells Old Boys have conceded at least two goals in three of their last four matches this season, highlighting ongoing defensive frailties that Riestra will look to exploit.
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Deportivo Riestra vs Newells Old Boys predictions
My best bet: Deportivo Riestra Draw No Bet (DNB)
This wager offers both value and prudence. Deportivo Riestra, despite a lackluster attack, are notably disciplined at home—losing narrowly to higher-ranked teams and often conceding only by the slimmest of margins. Their low scoring rate (just two goals in the last five games) is balanced by relative defensive resilience, especially against sides with leaky defenses like Newells Old Boys.
Newells endure persistent struggles, summarized in a solitary point from four matches and a defense that has shipped eight goals already in the current campaign. Their backline appears disorganized in transition, frequently vulnerable on set pieces and counters, which may play directly into Riestra’s favored tactical approach.
In terms of discipline and style, Deportivo Riestra’s encounters are typically combative—clocking up 22 yellow cards in five matches—demonstrating their physically intense, pressing play. This can, however, lead to disruptive fouls (79 in five matches). Newells are slightly less aggressive but have had their share of disciplinary woes (one red card, nine yellows), often struggling to manage pressure in defensive phases. Both teams have modest pass accuracy but Newells edge slightly in ball circulation, which they must leverage more dynamically if they are to stifle Riestra’s attacking efforts.
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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The teams’ previous head-to-head, in the 2024 Relegation phase, was a fiercely contested 3-3 draw. This result underlines a historical parity, yet both sides have undergone notable squad changes and tactical tweaks since. Newells showed surprising attacking efficiency in that encounter, but Riestra’s determination to claw back into the match also impressed. The result reminds us that, for all their current offensive woes, goals can surface unexpectedly when these teams clash.
🚨Read our full Deportivo Riestra vs Newells Old Boys stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Deportivo Riestra: Only one home win in last five, with three defeats by a single-goal margin.
- Newells Old Boys: Winless in last ten league matches across all venues.
- Newells have conceded an average of 2 goals per game so far this season.
- Combined: Only 6 goals scored (1.5 avg/game) across their last 8 league appearances (both teams together).
- Both sides average less than 0.5 points per match in the Apertura Group A campaign.
- Deportivo Riestra’s matches have averaged 4.4 yellow cards per game.
Deportivo Riestra vs Newells Old Boys score prediction: 1-0
The expected outcome is a narrow 1-0 home win for Deportivo Riestra. Their physical defense, anchored by the likes of Jonathan Goitia and goalkeeper Ignacio Arce, is well-equipped to frustrate Newells’ misfiring attack. Meanwhile, Riestra’s most likely path to goal is through the creative sparks of Antony Alonso—if he continues to exploit spaces left by Newells’ sluggish transitions. On the other side, Matías Cóccaro and Michael Hoyos may offer glimpses of threat, but consistent finishing has eluded the Rosario-based visitors all season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Deportivo Riestra the favourite
| Moneyline | Deportivo Riestra 2.49 | Newells Old Boys 3.80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 2.71 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.55 | Under 2.5 1.47 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.08 | No 1.69 | |
Bookmakers suggest a notable lean towards Deportivo Riestra with odds providing roughly a 39% win probability (compared to 26% for Newells Old Boys), as supported by their superior home performances and Newells’ defensive troubles. The low price on Under 2.5 goals (1.47) acknowledges both teams’ offensive struggles, making this market particularly unattractive for the value-driven punter. “Both teams to score: No” also stands out given recent form and finishing woes on both sides.
Deportivo Riestra vs Newells Old Boys Over/Under Analysis
- Under 2.5 goals has landed in 7 of last 8 combined matches for these teams.
- Neither side has managed more than one goal in a match so far in this phase.
- Deportivo Riestra’s last four matches: three finished with a single goal or less.
- Newells Old Boys have been shut out twice in their last four games.
- Given the defensive approach and finishing issues, expect little goalmouth action.
Deportivo Riestra Preview
Deportivo Riestra’s campaign has been marred by narrow defeats and an inability to turn discipline into tangible results. Despite notching only one win in five matches, Riestra’s defensive record—losing three games by just a solitary goal each—signals resilience. Their recent defeat to Estudiantes LP (0-1) typifies their campaign: compact in structure but lacking decisive quality in the final third. Notable performances from goalkeeper Ignacio Mauricio Jesús Arce and fullback Jonathan Goitia provide the backbone, while the energy of Antony Alonso up front remains a persistent if underutilized threat.
Deportivo Riestra possible starting eleven

- GK: Ignacio Mauricio Jesús Arce
- DF: Jonathan Goitia, Pedro Ramírez, Facundo Miño, Cristian Paz
- MF: Nicolás Sansotre, Pablo Daniel Monje, Leonardo Landriel
- FW: Antony Alonso, Ángel Stringa, Nicolas Benegas
Newells Old Boys Preview
Meanwhile, Newells Old Boys are in desperate need of attacking fluency. The 2-3 defeat against Defensa y Justicia exemplified their season so far—flashes of promise undone by lapses in concentration at the back. Defensive uncertainty, highlighted by frequent changes in personnel and formation, has cost Newells dear. However, any hope for revival may rest with Matías Cóccaro, whose ability to involve others and lead pressing lines can disrupt even disciplined rear-guards. Michael Hoyos’ creative spark in midfield is another potential lever, though consistency is required throughout the spine of Gómez’s eleven.
Newells Old Boys possible starting eleven
- GK: Gabriel Arias
- DF: Armando Méndez, Martín Luciano, Saúl Salcedo, Oscar Salómon, Nicolás Goitea
- MF: Facundo Samuel Guch, Rodrigo Herrera, David Sotelo
- FW: Matías Cóccaro, Michael Hoyos
Our prediction: Who Wins?
As a Tips.GG expert aligned with our analytical engine, my main pick is Deportivo Riestra DNB, with a projected win probability of 39% (AI Model). The home side’s marginally superior defensive structure and set-piece potency edge them ahead in a match likely shaped by moments of composure amid a backdrop of attrition. Newells Old Boys can snatch a result if Cóccaro or Hoyos are afforded space, but until they solve their defensive woes, it is difficult to back them with any conviction. The likelihood of a low-scoring contest is reflected both in form and markets, with the smart play remaining on the hosts—or at least against an away win.

Deportivo Riestra. Source: Official Website
How to watch Deportivo Riestra vs Newells Old Boys
When?
Kick-off: 17 February 2026, 00:00 CEST.
Where? Guillermo Laza Stadium, Flores.
How to watch: Coverage via ESPN, Star+, and select regional broadcasters (check local listings).
Favorite: Deportivo Riestra
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