Early Sperdutti Header Wins The Day

Newell's Old Boys beat Gimnasia de La Plata 1-0, but the three points didn't come with out a cost. Leonel Vangioni and Ignacio Fideleff both came away from the match with injuries. Both were starters, and both were expected to be fixtures in the starting eleven before preseason injuries kept them from playing.

Alexis Machuca entered the match for Fideleff at the half time after suffering a blow to the head. The injury seems serious, as he was kept in hospital overnight with headaches, nausea, and temporary memory loss. He stated that after the incident he returned to the field, but could not recall anything that happened between then and the end of the first half. This sounds like a sever concussion, but the doctors have released him with a clean bill of health.

Vangioni, on the other hand, has a torn meniscus in his right knee, which, depending on how sever it is could see him out for a considerable amount of time. Vangioni had been Newell's most consistent player over the past few years, but now seems to have hit a patch were he just can't avoid getting injured. Hopefully the tear isn't serious, and he can get back to training shortly... but this may just be the injury blow that puts fighting battles on two fronts (Apertura and Copa Sudamericana) at risk.

And, of course, it was Vangioni who set up the lone goal of the game, scored by Mauricio Sperdutti. With the win Newell's jumped up to fourth place with 21 points, six behind league leaders Estudiantes LP.

Up next Newell's travel to Mendoza to face the under rated Godoy Cruz, who sit a mere point below Newell's. Interesting enough, that might just give the edge to the club from Rosario, as Godoy Cruz has played better on the road than at home. They've played six home matches so far, and split them evenly, two wins, two draws, and two losses. Compare that to their road record, where they've won three, tied three, and haven't loss.

Newell's, however, have yet to lose on the road. Thing is they only have one road victory to go with four draws. Come the weekend, we will see what happens when these two teams collide.