The Copa Argentina continues to deliver thrilling knockout football, and the upcoming clash between Club Atlético Tigre and Club Atlético Banfield promises to be another captivating encounter. Scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 23:30 UK time (00:30 CEST), this match will take place at the Estadio Nuevo Francisco Urbano in Morón.
Both teams enter this Copa Argentina fixture with contrasting fortunes from their respective league campaigns, setting up an intriguing battle that could swing either way.
Tigre vs Banfield
Tigre has experienced a mixed bag of results in recent months, showcasing both their potential and their inconsistencies. Under Diego Dabove’s management, the team had an impressive start to 2025, winning nine of their first twelve matches across all competitions. However, their form has dipped significantly since then, with the team failing to secure a victory in six consecutive matches before the recent break.
Currently sitting fifth in the Liga Profesional Argentina table with 27 points from 16 matches, Tigre has demonstrated solid attacking capabilities throughout the season. The team has scored first in 50% of their matches this season, indicating their ability to make early breakthroughs. Their home record has been particularly encouraging, with the team showing greater attacking intent when playing in familiar surroundings.
Banfield’s Struggles
Banfield finds itself in a precarious position, occupying 14th place in the Liga Profesional Argentina with just 14 points from 16 matches. Their 2025 campaign has been disappointing, managing only three victories throughout the season. This poor form has raised concerns about their Primera División status, as they remain dangerously close to the relegation zone.
The team’s defensive vulnerabilities have been particularly evident, conceding 19 goals in 16 league matches. Their away form has been especially concerning, with limited success when playing outside their home ground.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Encounters
The historical matchup between these two sides reveals a closely contested rivalry. In their 19 previous encounters, Tigre has won 8 matches, Banfield has claimed 8 victories, and 3 matches have ended in draws. This balanced record suggests that neither team holds a significant psychological advantage over the other.
Their most recent league encounter in February 2025 saw Tigre secure a narrow 1-0 victory at home. That match followed a familiar pattern of low-scoring affairs between these teams, with both teams to score occurring in just 47% of their historical meetings.
Statistics for the match:
Diego Dabove typically deploys Tigre in a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Key defensive figures like Martín Garay and Nehuén Paz provide the backbone of their setup, while their attacking players create opportunities through quick transitions.
Felipe Zenobio has been reliable between the posts, maintaining a 50% clean sheet rate in recent matches. The team’s ability to score first has been a crucial factor in their success, with early goals often setting the tone for positive results.
Banfield’s Challenges
Under Pedro Troglio’s guidance, Banfield has struggled to find consistency in both defensive organization and attacking output. Their recent 3-1 victory against Central Córdoba provided a rare bright spot, but this came after a series of disappointing performances.
The team’s top scorer, Tomás Nasif, has managed 3 goals in 7 matches, while other attacking options like Agustín Alaniz and Gerónimo Rivera have contributed 2 goals each throughout the season. These modest goal tallies highlight the team’s ongoing struggles in the final third.
Based on a comprehensive analysis of both teams’ current form, historical performance, and tactical setups, Tigre emerges as the strong favorite to score first in this Copa Argentina encounter.
Home Advantage and Early Scoring Pattern: Tigre has demonstrated a consistent ability to start matches positively, scoring first in 50% of their fixtures this season. Their home form provides additional confidence, as they tend to be more aggressive and purposeful when playing in familiar surroundings.
Banfield’s Defensive Fragility: With 19 goals conceded in 16 league matches, Banfield’s defensive record raises serious concerns about their ability to contain opposition attacks from the opening whistle. Their away form has been particularly problematic, suggesting they may struggle to cope with early pressure.
Recent Form Contrast: While both teams have faced challenges, Tigre’s underlying metrics suggest they’re more likely to create early chances. Their attacking players have shown glimpses of quality throughout the season, and a cup fixture could provide the perfect opportunity for them to rediscover their scoring touch.
Psychological Advantage: The recent 1-0 victory over Banfield in February will boost Tigre’s confidence going into this fixture. Having already found a way past Banfield’s defense this season, they’ll believe they can repeat the feat .
What is the Prediction?
This Copa Argentina tie has all the ingredients for a closely contested affair, but Tigre’s superior recent form and home advantage should prove decisive in the early stages. The knockout nature of the competition may encourage both teams to adopt more cautious approaches initially, but Tigre’s need to bounce back from their recent poor run should motivate them to press forward from the first whistle.
Banfield’s struggles away from home and their overall defensive concerns make them vulnerable to conceding early goals. If Tigre can capitalize on their home advantage and implement their game plan effectively, they should be able to break the deadlock before their opponents find their rhythm.
Final Thoughts
The prediction for Tigre to score first in this Copa Argentina clash represents solid value based on current form, historical patterns, and tactical considerations. While cup competitions can spring surprises, the evidence strongly suggests that Tigre’s combination of home advantage, superior attacking threat, and Banfield’s defensive vulnerabilities will manifest in an early goal for the hosts.
Both teams will be desperate to progress in Argentina’s premier cup competition, but Tigre appears better positioned to make the crucial first move in what promises to be an engaging knockout encounter.
Summary:
Match: Tigre vs Banfield
Bet: Tigre to score first
Odds: -127 / 1.79
