South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys drew 1-1 in round three of the Argentine Apertura Championship at the Bombonera stadium on Thursday night.

Lucas Viatri put Boca ahead ten minutes into the second half, after his team-mate Guillermo Marino had clearly brought down the ball with his hand.

Newell’s, who played slightly the better football in the first half, drew level twenty minutes into the half through Leonel Vangioni, who capitalised after a huge error from Boca goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.

The match called for the return of Boca playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, but not even he could manage to inspire the side, as they struggled to find their form.

The visitors created the better goal-scoring opportunities in the first half, but failed to take advantage of them. Christian Sanchez Prette hit the woodwork with an effort and Vangioni also came close to scoring.

After the break the game livened up a touch, because both teams went searching for a goal. The game was more open and the football was of a higher quality.

Eventually Boca went ahead through Viatri, but Vangioni cancelled out his effort for Newell’s not too long after.

Newell’s came closest to claiming the three points, and would have done so if they were more precise with their finishing.

In Thursday’s other games, Independiente beat Godoy Cruz 2-0 and Atletico Tucuman overcame Huracan by the same score-line.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com