- Nueva Chicago have won both of their last two Primera Nacional 2026 meetings with Atletico de Rafaela, most recently beating them 5-1 away from home in this fixture last year.
- Atletico de Rafaela have failed to win any of their last three Primera Nacional 2026 away games (D1, L2).
Tight tactical chess match likely at Mataderos
Saturday's Primera Nacional 2026 clash between Nueva Chicago and Atletico de Rafaela looks likely to be a tactical chess match between two teams. The hosts sit 18th with 21 points from 15 games, while the visitors are ninth after taking 26 points from 17 fixtures.
The home team are the favourites to win the match at 2.49 which makes a lot of sense when you consider their home record to date. Chicago have won two, tied five and lost only once in Primera Nacional 2026 at Mataderos, and have conceded only six goals in eight matches (0.75 per game on average).
German Lanaro took over as manager in May 2026 and has encouraged his team to play in a high-tempo, vertical way, with lots of pressing from the front and wide attacks. Sebastian Cocimano is the team's most dangerous attacking player and the leading scorer with five goals in 14 Primera Nacional 2026 appearances. His movement and finishing ability will be crucial for Nueva Chicago to break down Rafaela's defensive line, according to our Nueva Chicago vs Atletico de Rafaela prediction.
Ivan Juarez is the opposite of Lanaro in many ways, bringing a pragmatic, organised approach to Rafaela since his appointment in August 2024. They typically line up in a compact 4-4-2 and sit deep, looking to transition quickly when they win the ball, particularly down the flanks.
Expect a low-scoring match at low odds
Moreno is Rafaela's 'danger man' in attack with six Primera Nacional 2026 goals, but he can be very dangerous in transition, when he has time and space to pick his shot. In this Nueva Chicago vs Atletico de Rafaela preview, it's important to note that both teams prioritize defensive structure over all-out attack.
Their recent form has been mixed with two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five, and the same can be said for Rafaela who have only won one of their eight Primera Nacional 2026 road trips, scoring just four goals. Nueva Chicago have won one, tied one and lost three of their last five, but are starting to improve again after a recent 2-0 home win over Chacarita Juniors and a 1-1 home draw against Temperley.
The odds here for both teams to score no are 1.51 and the under 2.5 total score odds are 1.29, which reflect the bookmakers' belief that only one of these teams will be able to score and that there will be at least one shutout, in line with the Nueva Chicago vs Atletico de Rafaela betting tips.
The pressing game of the home side against the defensive solidity of Rafaela should make for a tactical game that doesn't offer many clear-cut chances. Based on the Nueva Chicago vs Atletico de Rafaela prediction, we are happy to side with the hosts to edge it on home turf.
