On April 18th, 2026, Estadio 15 de Abril in Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz will host an important Primera Division Apertura Group A clash between Union de Santa Fe and Newells Old Boys. The match is set to kick off at 01:30 CEST, marking a key moment as both sides seek critical points in the closing stages of the group phase. Union, managed by Leonardo Madelón, will be eager to solidify their position near the top half, while Frank Kudelka’s Newells Old Boys aim to stave off further struggles near the foot of the table.
Among the standouts for Union, striker Cristian Tarragona’s recent three-goal haul makes him a prominent threat, while creative midfielder Marcelo Estigarriba, with two goals and an assist in his past four, continues to orchestrate attacks. For Newells Old Boys, Franco García’s energetic forward play and Oscar Salómon’s defensive leadership are key, even if their team has found goals harder to come by in recent weeks.
A pivotal stat: Union de Santa Fe have outshot opponents 73 to 49 and created more corners (24 to 19) than Newells across the last five matches — testament to their superior attacking activity and territorial advantage.
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Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys predictions
Me best bet: Union de Santa Fe to win.
Given their home form, attacking momentum, and superior stats in crucial areas such as shots, pass accuracy, and corners, Union de Santa Fe emerge as strong favorites. They own a 44 percent win rate this season and boast a considerably more potent front line, with Tarragona and Estigarriba combining for five goals in their last five matches, compared to a collective total of four goals for Newells in the same period.
Regarding playing styles, Union’s 4-1-4-1 formation prioritizes midfield stability and quick distribution to their attacking outlets; they averaged 36 fouls and picked up 13 yellow cards in their previous five — indicative of an intense, sometimes aggressive approach that may disrupt Newells’ rhythm. Newells Old Boys, preferring a 4-4-2 structure, have struggled for offensive cohesion and discipline (seven yellows, one red), but their commendable 28 interceptions showcase defensive engagement. Ball possession and technical quality favor Union (pass accuracy: 1041/1278), which should translate into territorial pressure.
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Union de Santa Fe | Newells Old Boys |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 19 | 14 |
| Free kicks | 21 | 17 |
| Corner kicks | 12 | 8 |
| Total fouls | 31 | 28 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 80 | 76 |
| Interceptions | 12 | 14 |
| Offsides | 6 | 4 |
Looking at recent meetings, Union have claimed two wins and a draw from their last three encounters with Newells Old Boys, conceding just one goal in the process. Their defensive stability and ability to maintain shape under pressure have been decisive factors — particularly when shielding tight leads. Newells, conversely, have struggled to break down Union’s defensive block, rarely finding space for clean chances.
🚨Read our full Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Union de Santa Fe have lost just once at home in this campaign (Apertura Group A).
- Newells Old Boys have the second-worst defensive record in Group A, conceding 23 times in 13 games.
- Union have only failed to score in two of their last ten Primera fixtures.
- Tarragona is currently Union’s top scorer with three goals in his latest five matches.
- Newells have just two wins in their last fourteen group games (14 percent win rate).
Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys score prediction: 2-0
Union’s home dominance and superior firepower point toward a controlled victory, with their layered midfield structure well-equipped to stifle Newells’ sporadic forays forward. Expect Cristian Tarragona to be poised for a breakthrough, ably supported by Estigarriba’s incisive playmaking. Defensively disciplined and sharp on set-pieces, Union are likely to maintain a clean sheet unless Newells can conjure something special in transition.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Union de Santa Fe the favourite
| Moneyline | Union de Santa Fe 1.57 | Newells Old Boys 6.20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.80 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.32 | Under 2.5 1.55 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.18 | No 1.69 | |
Bookmakers assign Union a robust 60 percent implied win rate, reflecting their home advantage, superior attacking numbers, and Newells’ ongoing scoring drought. The draw, priced between 3.70–3.90, indicates a perceived gap with the away side’s underdog status; Newells are currently one of the least likely winners in the group, according to both form and odds. The under 2.5 goals bet aligns with both teams’ average goals scored and the style these clashes have generated in prior seasons.
Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys Over/Under Analysis
- Union’s last five have seen under 2.5 goals land four times.
- Newells have failed to score in three of their previous five league fixtures.
- Only two of the last six direct meetings have seen both teams score.
- Union average nearly five corners per match — consistent territory pressure.
- Defensive-minded opening halves are statistically likely in this fixture.
Union de Santa Fe Preview
Union approach this critical fixture on the back of mixed form, but with back-to-back 2-0 victories sandwiched between a hard-fought 1-2 loss to Estudiantes LP. Their attacking play has become more incisive, thanks in large part to Cristian Tarragona’s decisive finishing and Marcelo Estigarriba’s creative influence. Madelón’s men rely on aggressive pressing, high foul numbers and quick vertical attack — factors which have regularly troubled lower-tier opposition such as Deportivo Riestra and Agropecuario. Union’s midfield solidity and collective discipline give them a tangible edge, especially when playing in the cauldron-like atmosphere of Estadio 15 de Abril.
Union de Santa Fe possible starting eleven
- GK: Matías Mansilla
- DF: Juan Pablo Ludueña, M. Del Blanco, Rafael Profini, Álex Maizon Rodríguez González
- MF: Mauro Pitton, Julián Palacios, Augusto Solari, Brahian Cuello, Emilio Giaccone
- FW: Cristian Tarragona
Newells Old Boys Preview
Newells Old Boys, entrenched in the lower echelons of Group A, arrive with just two wins from their last fourteen matches. Despite their recent 3-1 triumph over Central Córdoba signalling potential upturn, inconsistency and a porous rearguard remain problematic. Newells’ 4-4-2 system, helmed by Frank Kudelka, relies on high energy but often breaks down under pressure — as evidenced by their lopsided 0-5 loss to Lanus and only four goals scored in their last five. Players like Franco García and Oscar Salómon offer some hope on the counter, but an inability to control games in the midfield and lapses in discipline (a recent red card for defender Méndez) threaten to undermine any sustained push for points away from home.
Newells Old Boys possible starting eleven
- GK: Williams Barlasina
- DF: Saúl Salcedo, Armando Méndez, Oscar Salómon, Bruno Cabrera
- MF: Luca Regiardo, Facundo Samuel Guch, Rodrigo Herrera, David Sotelo
- FW: Franco García, Walter Mazzantti

Union de Santa Fe. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
As a TipsGG team expert, our main prediction is a Union de Santa Fe victory. Their form at Estadio 15 de Abril, superior creative output, and Newells’ persistent away struggles suggest Union have a clear pathway to three points. Expect them to dictate midfield and profit from transitional attacks, with Tarragona pivotal in front of goal.
Our AI-driven prediction model gives Union de Santa Fe a 62 percent chance of victory, the draw at 23 percent, and Newells Old Boys just 15 percent — consistent with bookmaker sentiment and recent statistical trends.
How to watch Union de Santa Fe vs Newells Old Boys
When? 18 April 2026 — Kick-off: 01:30 CEST
Where? Estadio 15 de Abril, Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz
How to watch: Check local broadcasters in Argentina or stream via official Primera Division partners (see league website for more details).
Favorite: Union de Santa Fe
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