Rafaela
- Atlético de Rafaela are rocketing into their Primera Nacional opener on a wave of momentum after winning immediate promotion last December when they beat San Martín (F) 1-0 twice in the ‘reválida’ final.
- Club legend Iván Juárez, who oversaw that campaign, has already made his mark on the team as Rafaela cruised up through the third tier with a solid, organised setup.
- Lucas Albertengo, the talisman, scored crucial goals in the promotion run.
- Facundo Soloa, who scored the decisive goal in the promotion final, and youngster Bautista Tomatis offer a good balance of experience and youth.
Almagro
- Almagro enter the game on the back of a mixed pre-season, drawing against Flandria and Atlanta and losing to Camioneros.
- The last time they played an official league game was a 1-0 home loss to Güemes in October 2025.
- They are a very different team now following a major squad overhaul in January that coach Gabriel Gómez has already stamped his mark on.
- El Turco Gómez has a habit of creating compact, well-organised teams with width and pace to pinch goals and create big chances.
- Pablo Palacio arrived on loan in January and brings pace and creativity from wide positions.
Head-to-Head
Rafaela have won seven of the last 15-16 H2H meetings against Almagro , who have won five-six .
Key Players
- Rafaela
- Lucas Albertengo scored crucial goals during the promotion run.
- Facundo Soloa netted the decisive goal in the promotion final.
- Bautista Tomatis provides youthful energy and creativity.
- Almagro
- Tiziano Dornell is expected to take most of the forward-line workload.
- Nicolás Servetto brings regular minutes and attacking depth despite a limited recent goal return.
- Pablo Palacio adds pace and creativity from wide areas.
Betting Insights
- Under 2.5 goals is available at 1.33, which is very low.
- The Draw is trading at 2.77, reflecting how closely matched this fixture looks.
- There are no reported injuries or suspensions, so both managers are likely to field near full strength.
- Weather: Warm, with possible afternoon showers in Rafaela, which should be comfortable for kickoff.
Prediction
- We’ll take the odds on offer for Rafaela to edge this one 1-0, 2-1 or 1-1 in the correct score market.
- The Draw at 2.77 also appeals given the recent changes at Almagro and the tight tactical battle expected.
