Match Report: Almagro Edges Nueva Chicago in a Tense Primera Nacional Clash

In a fiercely contested Primera Nacional fixture on the evening of May 12, 2026, Almagro secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nueva Chicago at the Estadio República de Mataderos. The result handed the visitors a valuable three points on the road and left the home side ruing missed opportunities in front of their supporters.

First Half: Almagro Seizes Early Control

The match kicked off under the floodlights with both sides eager to impose themselves. Almagro, known for their compact defensive structure and swift counter-attacks, struck first in the 22nd minute. A well-worked move down the right flank saw the ball pulled back to the edge of the box, where an unmarked Almagro midfielder curled a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Nueva Chicago goalkeeper with no chance.

Nueva Chicago responded by increasing their intensity, pressing higher up the pitch. However, their efforts were undone just before the half-hour mark. Almagro doubled their lead from a set piece: a corner kick was met by a powerful header at the near post, making it 2–0. The home crowd grew restless as their team struggled to find a rhythm against a disciplined Almagro backline.

Second Half: Chicago Fights Back, but Falls Short

Nueva Chicago emerged from the tunnel with renewed determination. Manager adjustments saw them adopt a more aggressive formation, pushing wingers forward and committing numbers into the attack. The pressure finally paid off in the 63rd minute when a scramble in the Almagro penalty area led to a deflected shot that looped over the keeper and into the net. The goal ignited the home supporters, who sensed a comeback was possible.

Despite dominating possession for long stretches, Nueva Chicago could not find the equalizer. Almagro’s goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the final 15 minutes, denying a close-range header and a curling effort from distance. The visitors held firm, seeing out five minutes of stoppage time to claim a gritty away win.

Key Takeaways and Standings Impact

• Almagro’s resilience: The win lifts them into the upper half of the Primera Nacional standings, keeping their promotion playoff hopes alive.
• Nueva Chicago’s frustration: Despite a spirited second-half display, the loss leaves them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only a few points separating them from the bottom places.
• Set-piece vulnerability: Chicago conceded from a set piece for the second consecutive match, an area that will require urgent attention in training.

The result adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two historic Argentine clubs. For Almagro, the journey continues with renewed confidence, while Nueva Chicago must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.