- Rafaela are on a five-match winless run in all competitions, losing the last three.
- Nueva Chicago have won one of their last five in all competitions (D2, L2).
- Chicago have conceded 11 goals away in Primera Nacional 2026 (W3, D1, L5).
Two struggling teams battle for three points
Atletico de Rafaela vs Nueva Chicago preview: Atletico de Rafaela (27 points from 21 games) sit 17th in Primera Nacional 2026, while Nueva Chicago (26 points from 20) are 19th, so this looks like a real relegation battle. Iván Juárez's Rafaela are the favourites at 2.12 and it is easy to see why, as the hosts are in atrocious form, coming into this game on a run of five without a win and three defeats in a row.
The most recent of these was a 2-0 defeat at Temperley, while their overall run since the last international break reads as follows: 1-0 L Almagro, 1-3 L Deportivo Maipu, 2-0 L Temperley. Chicago come into the game after a 1-0 defeat away at Tristan Suarez and a 1-1 home draw with Agropecuario, so they are also in poor form.
The game looks set to be a scrappy affair between two teams that will fight for every ball, as Rafaela set up their team in a compact shape and push the ball forwards in a measured way, whereas Chicago are geared towards a more energetic pressing game and quick transitions. For Atletico de Rafaela vs Nueva Chicago betting tips, the best approach is to expect a tight, low-scoring contest.
Rafaela have the edge
A 0-0 draw in the reverse at Nueva Chicago's ground last time out in Primera Nacional 2026 means that Rafaela have failed to win any of their last three against their opponents (D1, L2) and it could be another tight game this weekend. Chicago's form is a mixed bag, with their win, two draws and two defeats in the last five producing a slightly better average than Rafaela's three defeats in the same period.
Martiniano Moreno has been Rafaela's main outlet in the final third with six goals in 20 Primera Nacional 2026 appearances, but the attack has been misfiring of late and his team will need the forward's finishing ability if they are to edge out the visitors. Chicago have found their own attacking edge in the form of Mauro Simon Perez, who has added some punch in the forward area with two goals in his last five appearances, during which the team have scored five goals.
Atletico de Rafaela vs Nueva Chicago prediction: Rafaela have the home advantage and an extra game played, so we're going for the favorites to squeeze out a close win in this one. Nueva Chicago are a good side with enough quality to stay in games but not enough to take them away from opponents, and Rafaela's tight defense makes them the team to beat. The bet that best fits the script is Under 2.5 goals at 1.35, while both teams to score - No at 1.5 also fits. Atletico de Rafaela vs Nueva Chicago prediction is a narrow home win.
