Deportivo Riestra vs Barracas Central Match Recap - Nov 24, 2025

Barracas Central Edges Deportivo Riestra in a Tense Knockout Clash

Nicolas Blandi's late strike sends Barracas Central into the next round, while Deportivo Riestra's struggles continue.

Barracas Central's victory over Deportivo Riestra in the Round of 16 was a testament to resilience and tactical discipline. The match unfolded with Barracas Central controlling the tempo, evidenced by their 56% possession and superior passing statistics, completing 149 passes compared to Riestra's 116. This control allowed them to dictate the pace, even as they faced a late red card for Ivan Guaraz in the 83rd minute.

Blandi's decisive goal in the 116th minute capped off a match where Barracas Central had been the more proactive side. Despite only managing four total shots, they maintained a strategic approach that paid off when it mattered most. The expected goals (xG) metric favored Barracas Central at 0.08, indicating that while they struggled to create clear-cut chances, they capitalized on their limited opportunities effectively.

Deportivo Riestra's recent form has been troubling, with only one win in their last five matches. Their performance against Godoy Cruz highlighted their defensive frailties, as they were outshot 13 to 5 and dominated in possession. This trend continued against Barracas Central, where they managed just two total shots and only one on target. The lack of offensive firepower was glaring, especially considering their reliance on Jonathan Herrera, who has been inconsistent lately.

Riestra's midfield struggled to connect with their forwards, leading to a disjointed attack that failed to threaten Barracas Central's defense. Their passing accuracy of 67% reflects a lack of cohesion and creativity, which has been a recurring theme in their recent outings. The absence of a reliable playmaker meant that opportunities were few and far between, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Barracas Central's defensive unit, led by Fernando Tobio and Nicolas Capraro, showcased resilience under pressure. Even with a man down, they managed to hold off Riestra's attempts to equalize, demonstrating their ability to absorb pressure and maintain composure in critical moments. The team's commitment to defending deep allowed them to frustrate Riestra's attackers, who struggled to find space or rhythm.

The match also underscored the importance of set pieces and tactical discipline in knockout football. Barracas Central's ability to win two corner kicks compared to Riestra's one indicates their intent to create scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations. This tactical awareness proved crucial as they navigated the latter stages of the match with a numerical disadvantage.

Blandi's goal not only secured Barracas Central's progression but also highlighted his importance as a clutch player. After scoring twice against Argentinos JRS earlier this month, he has now emerged as a key figure in Barracas Central's attack. His ability to find the net when it counts could be pivotal as they advance further into the tournament.

Deportivo Riestra must now reflect on their performance and address the issues that have plagued them throughout this season. With only eight wins from sixteen matches, their current trajectory suggests a need for significant improvement if they hope to compete at higher levels. The reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has left them vulnerable in crucial moments.

The implications of this match extend beyond mere advancement; it serves as a wake-up call for Deportivo Riestra. They must reassess their strategies and find ways to reinvigorate their attacking play if they wish to avoid further disappointments in upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Barracas Central can take confidence from this victory as they look to build momentum in the knockout stages.

In summary, Barracas Central's tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on limited chances proved decisive against Deportivo Riestra. As they move forward in the tournament, the focus will be on maintaining this form while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. For Deportivo Riestra, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty unless they can find solutions to their ongoing struggles.