Rosario Central v Newell’s: city derby sets pulses racing Saturday | OneFootball

It will be a Saturday of super action in Rosario, reminiscent of those days decades ago when cowboy movies, spy flicks, or endless car chases would gather entire families in front of the TV, not moving from their seats until the end.

This time, the protagonists of the story will be Central and Newell’s, in a new edition of the passionate and often frenzied classic of Rosario football. What makes this new city derby special? Ángel Di María will play it again, after many years in Europe, where he followed the match on TV, wearing the jersey from thousands of kilometers away. On the other side will be Ever Banega, another player of international caliber and a great friend of “Fideo” from their years together on the national team. Ariel Holan, who has only managed one classic so far—and won it—will face off in tactical and strategic play against “Ogro” Fabbiani, who played a derby at Newell’s stadium in 2008 and also managed to celebrate victory.

Then, as always: the fear of losing, the hope of winning, the nerves and pre-match anxiety, passion at its highest expression. And a security operation that will try to leave no loose ends throughout the geography of Rosario.

Strictly in football terms, it’s hard to say which of the two arrives better to this match of the sixth round of the Clausura Tournament. Central is better positioned in the standings, both in the current tournament—they’re in different groups—and in the annual table that determines qualification for the cups. But Newell’s just qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina, playing a very good match against Atlético Tucumán, and recently earned a good point away at Defensa y Justicia with a completely reserve lineup. The “Canalla” has more individual quality in its squad, while the “Lepra” makes up for its lack of options with the commitment and sacrifice instilled by its coach. In a scenario of parity, the classic could be decided by details or by the unpredictable.

Central is “blessed by Ángel”

Just look at the statistics from the last 12 years to confirm that Rosario Central has been the owner of the Rosario classic since its return to the first division. To such an extent that today they are 20 matches ahead of their eternal rival. Before 2013, the numbers were even, but in the last decade and a bit, the “Canallas” have built a streak as overwhelming as it is unpredictable.

In that period, 22 official classics were played: Central won 14, there were 6 draws, and Newell’s managed only two victories, both away from home. Truly devastating. Because of these numbers, which now represent the greatest historical difference, because they’ll play at home with all their fans, because of Di María’s return, and because they have a squad built to fight for major objectives, Central is obliged to seek victory in this classic. The question is how coach Ariel Holan will try to achieve it, as in these first matches of the second half of the season he hasn’t been able to find the right formula for his team’s collective play.

So far in the championship, Central has been solid in defense—conceding only two goals in five matches—and combative in midfield. But they’ve struggled greatly to create attacking play and even more to score at the other end. They’ve scored only three goals: two from penalties, expertly taken by Di María, and one header by Alejo Véliz. They haven’t lost, but have only managed one win, which was away at Lanús. At the “Gigante,” where the classic will be played this Saturday, they have yet to celebrate a victory.

As for the starting lineup Holan will field, no major surprises are expected. Facundo Mallo will return for the injured Juan Giménez in central defense, and if the Uruguayan isn’t fully recovered from his physical issues, Juan Cruz Komar will come in to pair with Carlos Quintana. In attack, the question could be whether to include Jaminton Campaz, who is currently out of form, or Enzo Copetti alongside Véliz, to play with two “tanks” to pressure the “leproso” center backs.

With the ferocity of an “Ogre”

Since Cristian Fabbiani took over as Newell’s head coach—coincidentally after Mariano Soso’s departure following a home loss to their eternal rival—the “Ogro” set one of his main goals as bringing back the joy of winning the city classic to the “leproso” fans.

It’s a challenge he’s building on a message of sacrifice, commitment, and the conviction that this time, the losing streak can be broken. Fabbiani tries to absorb all the pressure to free his players in pursuit of victory in a big match, as happened last season against Boca or in recent Copa Argentina clashes.

Newell’s arrives at this classic with renewed spirits. Reaching the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina, in a good match against tough Atlético Tucumán, was the morale boost the squad needed to believe they can aim for big goals. And the draw they earned against Defensa y Justicia with a one hundred percent reserve lineup was also a positive sign. Moreover, the team has reconciled with the fans, who on Thursday filled the “Coloso” for a new “Banderazo” and showed all their hope.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.