Newells 1-1 Velez: Soñora’s late goal earns a point after missed penalty

Late equaliser rescues a point for Newells

Newells Old Boys drew 1-1 with Velez Sarsfield at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa in Round 9 of the Liga Profesional Argentina Clausura. Velez led at half-time through Ronaldo Martinez, but Alan Soñora equalised in the 90th minute to secure a share of the points.

Velez take the lead

Velez made the more of the opening goal in the 27th minute. Elías Gómez provided the assist for Martinez, who converted a normal goal to put the visitors 1-0 ahead. The advantage remained intact through the interval, despite Newells using the same 4-2-3-1 shape as Velez under F. Kudelka and Guillermo Barros Schelotto respectively.

Newells miss a major chance before levelling

The home side had a significant opportunity to respond in the 63rd minute, when Santiago Germán Solari Ferreyra missed a penalty. Solari Ferreyra was replaced by Walter Nunez seven minutes later, while Newells also introduced Jerónimo Gómez Mattar for Rodrigo Herrera in the 60th minute. Velez made defensive and midfield changes around the same period, bringing on Lisandro Magallán for Emanuel Mammana and Álex Zahir Verón for Juan Cruz Policella.

Newells continued to press and finally found the equaliser in the closing minute. Soñora scored in the 90th minute, completing the comeback after coming on for the final five minutes. Velez later replaced Martinez with Dilan Godoy, while Luca Feler took over from Rodrigo Aliendro. There were no red cards. Velez received the only yellow card of the match.

Statistics show Newells had the stronger attacking numbers

The scoreline did not reflect Newells' superiority in several key figures. The hosts had 53% possession, completed 325 accurate passes to Velez's 286 and recorded 15 total shots compared with seven. Newells also produced 13 shots inside the box, eight corners and six shots on goal. Velez had five shots inside the box, two corners and just one attempt on target—the effort that produced Martinez's goal. Velez goalkeeper saves totalled three, while Newells recorded none.

Both sides add a point in the Clausura

Velez entered the round second in Group A with 16 points from eight matches, including four wins and four draws, and remained unbeaten after the draw. Newells started seventh with 12 points from eight games, having recorded three wins, three draws and two losses. The result gives both teams another point after a match in which Newells recovered from a missed penalty and a half-time deficit.

Soñora shares top rating with Martinez

Soñora was the standout performer by match rating, scoring 7.8. His late goal and one shot on target matched Martinez's 7.8 rating for Velez, with the forward playing 81 minutes and scoring the visitors' opener.