Instituto vs Sarmiento
Instituto returned to the top flight after over 16 years thanks to their victory by better season record (2nd over 7th) against Estudiantes Buenos Aires in the second promotion playoff final (1-1 on aggregate). They did it after not losing any of the last five matches (two wins and three draws). La Gloria also hold an impressive 24-game unbeaten streak (winning 16 and drawing eight) at home since losing to All Boys 2-1 in September 2021. Coach Lucas Bovaglio has 13 reinforcements at his disposal.
Sarmiento had a worthy 2022 season, finishing in 13th place in the aggregate table, but a winless streak of six league games (four draws and two losses) puts them only two points above the relegation zone (except the newly-promoted sides). However, Israel Damonte’s men have been confident on the road lately, winning two, drawing four and losing one of the last seven. Jonatan Torres (sold to Queretaro, Mexico), Julian Brea (Huachipato, Chile), Federico Rasmussen (Godoy Cruz), Lucas Castro and Gaston Sauro (both to Huracan) will be hard to replace.
Instituto should continue the impressive run they had in 2nd division last season against this Sarmiento that lost important players.