Newell’s Old Boys vs Rosario Central Ends 0-0 in Tense Santa Fe Cup Derby

Final score: Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys 0-0 CA Rosario Central

Newell’s Old Boys and Rosario Central could not be separated in the Argentina Santa Fe Cup, playing out a tense 0-0 draw on 18 October 2026. The Rosario derby delivered the expected intensity, with fierce midfield battles, disciplined defending and a handful of half-chances, but neither side found the breakthrough in front of a passionate crowd.

Match overview

The match was played with the edge that defines the Newell’s–Rosario Central rivalry. Newell’s Old Boys tried to control the tempo from midfield and build attacks through sustained possession, while Rosario Central pressed aggressively and looked to win the ball high up the pitch. The early exchanges set the pattern for the night: little space in central areas, frequent fouls and both teams cautious about overcommitting.

Key moments

Rosario Central had the first meaningful sight of goal after a quick turnover, but the resulting shot was blocked by a recovering defender. Newell’s responded with a spell of pressure and forced a series of corners, one of which produced a header that went narrowly over the bar. In the second half, the game opened up slightly. Newell’s worked a shooting chance from the edge of the area, only for the Rosario Central goalkeeper to push the ball away, while Central nearly won it late with a counterattack that ended in a hurried effort from a tight angle.

• The Rosario derby was played at a high intensity from the first minute.
• Both goalkeepers made important saves to keep the game level.
• Central areas were tightly contested, limiting clear chances.
• The Santa Fe Cup fixture ended 0-0 after a tense 90 minutes.

Tactical story

Newell’s Old Boys wanted to play through midfield and use their full-backs to create width, but Rosario Central’s pressing made clean progression difficult. Central’s midfielders stayed close to Newell’s deep-lying playmakers and forced several passes backwards. When Central won the ball, they attacked quickly through the channels, hoping to catch Newell’s during transitions. The game became a tactical arm-wrestle: Newell’s with more patient possession, Central with sharper counterattacking intent. Neither approach produced a goal, but both reflected the seriousness with which each side treated the derby.

Standout performers

The goalkeepers were decisive in preserving the 0-0 scoreline. Newell’s goalkeeper handled crosses confidently and made a smart save during Central’s best counterattack, while Rosario Central’s goalkeeper produced a strong second-half stop from a low drive. The centre-backs on both sides also excelled, winning headers and making important blocks in the penalty area. In midfield, the battle was relentless, with neither team allowed to settle on the ball for long.

Cup impact

The draw adds another chapter to the long Newell’s–Rosario Central rivalry and leaves the Santa Fe Cup fixture without a winner on the night. For Newell’s Old Boys, the performance showed control and composure but not enough penetration. For CA Rosario Central, the clean sheet and away resilience will be viewed positively. The 0-0 result may not satisfy either set of supporters, but it underlined the defensive discipline and emotional intensity that make the Rosario derby one of Argentine football’s most compelling occasions.