Godoy Cruz vs. Instituto Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 21 September 2025

This weekend’s clash in the Liga Profesional sees 26th-placed Godoy Cruz hosting 23rd-placed Instituto on 21 September 2025 at 20:45. Both teams are eager for a win to pull themselves further up the standings. Godoy Cruz, under head coach Walter Ribonetto, will aim to capitalize on their slight bookmaker favoritism despite inconsistent home performance. Their top scorer, Agustín Auzmendi, has been crucial, netting three goals this season.

Instituto, with Daniel Oldrá at the helm, are only a couple of points ahead. Their recent form includes a strong 2-0 win against Argentinos Juniors, but they’ve also been inconsistent, highlighted by a tough 4-0 loss to Union. Alex Luna, with seven goals this season, will be a key player for Instituto.

Given both teams’ recent mixed results and close proximity in the standings, a balanced match is expected. Our recommended bet is a draw. Both teams have scored four points in their last two matches, further suggesting a tight contest.

Godoy Cruz vs Instituto Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this match is a draw. Both Godoy Cruz and Instituto have had similarly mixed results recently, with each team racking up four points from their last two games. Given their close positions in the standings – Godoy Cruz in 26th place and Instituto in 23rd – we anticipate a tightly contested encounter.

• Godoy Cruz has struggled to clinch a win at home, managing two draws and two losses.
• Instituto has remained unbeaten in their last two matches, securing four points.
• Both teams have similar scoring averages, suggesting a balanced and closely fought game.

Godoy Cruz vs Instituto Odds

As the odds suggest, this fixture between Godoy Cruz and Instituto is expected to be a close one. Godoy Cruz, slightly favored by the bookmakers, has odds set at 2.19 for a home win. A draw, which is our recommended betting tip, stands at 2.90 due to both teams’ similar recent form and performances. Meanwhile, an away win for Instituto has odds of 3.70, reflecting their somewhat inconsistent form but determined performance.

Godoy Cruz’s slight favoritism may come from their performance history against Instituto, while the competitiveness of recent matches still leaves room for a balanced game.

Godoy Cruz Team Analysis

Godoy Cruz Recent Performance

Godoy Cruz’s recent form has been a mixed bag, highlighting their inconsistency. In their last five matches, they have notched one win, one draw, and three losses, summarized with a form of LLLWD.

• Recent Matches:
  • Godoy Cruz 0-0 Barracas Central
  • Club Atlético Platense 1-3 Godoy Cruz
  • Godoy Cruz 0-2 Vélez Sarsfield
  • Godoy Cruz 0-1 Atlético MG
  • River Plate 4-2 Godoy Cruz

Despite these struggles, Godoy Cruz’s attacking output has been somewhat steady, averaging 1.00 goal per game over the last five matches. However, their defense has been less reliable, with only one clean sheet in those games. Key injuries have also affected their lineup stability, and Agustín Auzmendi, the top scorer with three goals, remains crucial for any offensive success. Facing Instituto, Godoy Cruz will hope to exploit their slight advantage from the bookmakers to secure vital points.

Godoy Cruz Key Players

Godoy Cruz will rely heavily on the contributions of their top scorer, Agustín Auzmendi, who has scored three goals this season. His ability to find the net will be vital in piercing Instituto’s defense. Another significant player for Godoy Cruz is Nicolás Fernández, who, along with Bastián Yáñez, will provide creativity and support from the midfield.

Key individual battles to watch include Auzmendi versus Instituto’s central defenders Leonel Mosevich and Fernando Alarcón. The outcome of this duel could be pivotal for Godoy Cruz’s success.

Expected lineup for Godoy Cruz:

• Goalkeeper: Franco Petroli
• Defenders: Lucas Arce, Mateo Mendoza, Juan Escobar, Andrés Meli
• Midfielders: Nicolás Fernández, Pol Fernández, Vicente Poggi, Bastián Yáñez
• Attackers: Agustín Auzmendi, Luca Martinez Dupuy

These players are expected to adopt an attacking strategy to make the most of their home advantage and capitalize on any defensive lapses from Instituto.

Godoy Cruz Suspensions & Injuries

Godoy Cruz has been plagued with injuries that could impact their performance against Instituto. Notable absentees include Tomás Pozzo, who is expected to return by late September 2025, Facundo Altamira, out until early October 2025, and Juan Morán, who is also aiming for an early October return. These injuries have limited the team’s options and could affect their overall cohesion on the pitch. Head coach Walter Ribonetto will need to reorganize his squad effectively to compensate for these absences. While there are no suspensions currently affecting the team, the absence of key players might put additional pressure on the rest of the squad to step up and deliver crucial performances. This scenario underlines the importance of Nicolás Fernández, Vicente Poggi, and Agustín Auzmendi, as they will need to carry the bulk of the responsibility in both offensive and defensive roles to fill the gaps left by their injured teammates.

Godoy Cruz Tactics and Formation

Godoy Cruz will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation in their upcoming match against Instituto. This formation provides a balanced approach, allowing for both solid defensive coverage and quick transitions to attack.

Godoy Cruz Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Agustín Auzmendi – The top scorer with three goals this season will spearhead the attack.
• Midfield Lineup:
  • Right Midfielder: Nicolás Fernández
  • Right Central Midfielder: Pol Fernández
  • Left Central Midfielder: Vicente Poggi
  • Left Midfielder: Bastián Yáñez
• Defensive Lineup:
  • Right Back: Lucas Arce
  • Right Center Back: Mateo Mendoza
  • Left Center Back: Juan Escobar
  • Left Back: Andrés Meli
• Defensive Attributes: Only one clean sheet in the last five games indicates a need for improvement at the back.
• Attacking Strategy: Focus on penetrating through the wings and exploiting Instituto’s defensive lapses, particularly in the latter stages of the match.

The team will aim to tighten their defensive structure while relying on quick, decisive counters to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Instituto Team Analysis

Instituto Recent Performance

Instituto’s form over their last five matches has been turbulent, with two losses, two draws, and a solitary win, depicted in their form sequence DLLDW.

• Recent Matches:
  • Instituto 2-0 Argentinos Juniors
  • Instituto 0-0 Independiente
  • San Lorenzo 1-0 Instituto
  • Instituto 0-4 Union
  • Instituto 1-1 Club Atlético Platense

Instituto has struggled somewhat offensively, averaging only 0.60 goals per game in their last five outings. On the defensive end, they have managed two clean sheets, indicating a somewhat resolute backline when on form. Coach Daniel Oldrá will be looking to build on their recent victory against Argentinos Juniors to spark better form going forward. With key player Alex Luna, who has netted two goals this season, Instituto will hope to improve their attacking output and secure valuable points away from home.

Instituto Key Players

Instituto will be banking on the contributions of their top scorer, Alex Luna, who has netted two goals this season. His prowess in front of goal could be the key to breaking down Godoy Cruz’s defense. Additionally, the midfield combination of Gastón Lodico, Stefano Moreyra, and Lucas Rodríguez will be crucial in controlling the tempo and creating chances for the forwards. Another player to watch is Damián Puebla, who will be looking to make an impact in the attacking third. Key individual battles to monitor include Luna against Godoy Cruz’s center-backs Juan Escobar and Mateo Mendoza. The outcome of these clashes could dictate the flow of the match.

Expected lineup for Instituto:

• Goalkeeper: Manuel Roffo
• Defenders: Emanuel Beltrán, Leonel Mosevich, Fernando Alarcón, Nicolás Zalazar
• Midfielders: Gastón Lodico, Stefano Moreyra, Lucas Rodríguez
• Attackers: Damián Puebla, Nicolás Cordero, Alex Luna

The performance of these key players will determine if Instituto can secure valuable points away from home.

Instituto Suspensions & Injuries

Instituto faces several injury concerns that could significantly impact their lineup against Godoy Cruz. Key players currently sidelined include:

• Facundo Suárez (Cruciate ligament injury, potential return late October 2025)
• Matías Fonseca (Hamstring injury, potential return early October 2025)
• Manuel Romero (Muscle injury, potential return in about 1-2 weeks)
• Jeremías Lázaro (Hamstring injury, potential return early October 2025)

These injuries may limit Instituto’s options and ability to field their strongest lineup. Given the absence of these players, the onus will fall more heavily on the rest of the squad, particularly on Alex Luna and the midfield trio of Gastón Lodico, Stefano Moreyra, and Lucas Rodríguez, to maintain a robust performance and aim for a positive result. No suspensions are reported for Instituto, allowing them some flexibility in squad selection despite the injury woes.

Instituto Tactics and Formation

For the upcoming match against Godoy Cruz, Instituto is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. This setup provides a balanced approach, offering defensive solidity while enabling swift transitions into attack.

Instituto Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Alex Luna – The top scorer with two goals this season will be the focal point in attack.
• Midfield Trio:
  • Right Central Midfielder: Gastón Lodico
  • Central Midfielder: Stefano Moreyra
  • Left Central Midfielder: Lucas Rodríguez
• Defensive Lineup:
  • Right Back: Emanuel Beltrán
  • Right Center Back: Leonel Mosevich
  • Left Center Back: Fernando Alarcón
  • Left Back: Nicolás Zalazar
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games highlight their potential to keep the opposition at bay.
• Attacking Strategy: Look for Instituto to focus on creating chances through the midfield and delivering the ball to their forwards, especially during the latter stages of the match where Godoy Cruz has shown vulnerability.

Given their recent results, Instituto will aim to leverage this formation and tactical approach to secure valuable points away from home.

Godoy Cruz vs Instituto Head-to-Head Statistics

The recent head-to-head record between Godoy Cruz and Instituto reveals a competitive history. Over the last five meetings, Godoy Cruz has shown superiority with three wins, while two matches ended in draws. Here’s a closer look at their past encounters:

• 2025-03-10: Instituto 1-1 Godoy Cruz (Liga Profesional Apertura)
• 2024-12-14: Instituto 1-3 Godoy Cruz (Liga Profesional)
• 2024-02-26: Instituto 0-2 Godoy Cruz (Copa de la Liga Profesional)
• 2023-10-02: Godoy Cruz 1-1 Instituto (Copa de la Liga Profesional)
• 2023-07-30: Godoy Cruz 4-2 Instituto (Liga Profesional)

Godoy Cruz has scored consistently in these matchups, with an impressive 13 goals over the five games, while Instituto managed only five. This historical edge could offer Godoy Cruz a psychological advantage, though both teams’ current league form suggests a balanced contest. Given the importance of this game in climbing the league standings, both teams will aim to leverage their strengths and address their shortcomings from previous encounters.

Odds accurate as of 19/09/2025 20:46, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.