Nueva Chicago Relegated After 2-0 Defeat to Chacarita Juniors

Nueva Chicago was relegated to the Primera B Metropolitana on Monday, November 2, after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Chacarita Juniors at the stadium in San Martín during the 36th round of the Primera National. Following a scoreless and even first half, the home side secured the victory in the early stages of the second period with two quick goals that sealed their safety in the division and condemned the visitors.

The breakthrough occurred five minutes into the second half when Maximiliano Meléndez converted the opening goal from a cross delivered by Alexis Domínguez. Just five minutes later, a header following a corner kick extended Chacarita's lead to 2-0, delivering a definitive blow from which Nueva Chicago could not recover for the remainder of the match.

The visiting squad struggled significantly to generate offensive pressure, failing to record a single shot on target throughout the entire contest compared to two effective attempts by the home team. Statistics showed that the squad from San Martín maintained 54 percent possession, managing the pace of the game with composure in front of their home supporters.

The closing moments of the match experienced heightened tension when referee Sebastián Zunino temporarily halted play due to a medical emergency involving a member of the visiting team's coaching staff, who received immediate assistance before the final whistle. Late in stoppage time, referee Zunino issued a direct red card to Román Zalazar of Nueva Chicago.

With this crucial victory, Chacarita Juniors finished the regular season with 42 points, climbing to the 14th position in Zona B and securing their continuity in the second tier. Conversely, the defeat left Nueva Chicago locked at 37 points, cementing their relegation alongside Güemes de Santiago del Estero, Acassuso, and San Miguel after 12 years away from the third tier.

The fate of Nueva Chicago was sealed not only by their own loss but also by the combination of results in the relegation battle, which included a scoreless draw between Patronato and Atlético de Rafaela. Entering the final matchday level on points with Patronato, the team from Mataderos needed a victory to guarantee survival, but the negative outcome and favorable results elsewhere left them without mathematical options to maintain their category.