Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy must win to remain at the top of Zone B, following Tristán Suárez’s victory and Temperley’s draw in the previous round, according to an April 5 announcement. The team will play against Patronato de Paraná this Sunday at 17:00 for the eighth round of Primera Nacional at Estadio 23 de Agosto.
The match is notable due to the appointment of referee Federico BenÃtez from Salta. BenÃtez previously served as fourth official during a controversial match against Deportivo Madryn in the 2025 playoffs, which ended in scandal when Lucas Comesaña suspended play at halftime. During that game, BenÃtez was accused of making discriminatory remarks toward a ball boy, but ordinary courts later dismissed any allegations after investigating threats.
Coach Hernán Pellerano will not have Nicolás Dematei available, as he serves his second and final match suspension. The central defense is expected to feature Córdoba and Cosaro again as they aim to improve defensive performance seen during their recent away win in Chaco.
Gimnasia has maintained a perfect home record this season, winning all matches played on their field through high pressing and dominant play. They also secured their first away victory last week by defeating Chaco For Ever 2-1 in Resistencia.
Patronato enters this fixture after a difficult loss against Colón de Santa Fe on home ground and has only managed one win so far this tournament—against Colegiales—which leaves them near the bottom of the standings. Coach Rubén DarÃo Forestello continues searching for solutions within his squad after an inconsistent start to the campaign. There are doubts about Forestello’s position among club management; however, he said he remains committed and plans tactical changes that may shift from a 5-3-2 formation to either a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.
