Chilean midfielder Gary Medel scored twice to give Boca Juniors a comfortable 2-0 victory over arch-rivals River Plate in the Argentine superclasico at the Bombonera stadium on Thursday. The two halves of 40 minutes were almost completely dominated by a Boca side who only claimed their second victory of the Clausura championship.

Boca went ahead in the 13th minute when what seemed to be a weak Juan Roman Riquelme free-kick was poked into the back of the net by Medel, who came from an offside position.

Abel Alves´ side continued to dominate, but they were unable to make the most of their goal-scoring opportunities. Riquelme, who was being observed by Diego Maradona from the stands, created Boca´s best attacking moves.

River, on the other hand, were restricted to long-distance drives, but they hardly troubled Boca goalkeeper Javier Garcia. Marcelo Gallardo, the captain of the side, looked dangerous at times, but he couldn´t steer River forward.

Medel doubled Boca´s lead three minutes into the second half with a superb strike. Fabian Monzon nutmeged Paulo Ferrari before delivering a fine ball into the area, Nicolas Gaitan dummied the ball leaving it to Medel who fired it into the back of the net with a great deal of precision.

In the 30th minute Medel received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. The Chilean should have been off much earlier in the match, not only because of his goal celebration, but because of a tussle with Gallardo.

River tried to pull a goal back in the final ten minutes of the game, but although they came extremely close, couldn´t beat Garcia.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo said that “many players have passed through the phase of (Diego) Maradona and each one will fight for a place,” in Argentina`s World Cup squad. Palermo, who scored a crucial goal as Argentina beat Peru in a World Cup qualifier last year, is hoping to take part in his first World Cup with Los Albicelestes.

“Diego will have plenty of headaches with so many players to choose from for his 23-man squad to travel to South Africa. I will have to make things very difficult for him, for Diego to count with my presence. They are opportunities that can`t be wasted,  we are fighting for a place in the World Cup,” said Palermo.

Palermo affirmed to the press that he didn`t expect to experience such a great 2009, and that he dreams of featuring in the World Cup.

“Coco (Alfio Basile) had selected me before, but I couldn`t participate because of an injury. But with the arrival of Diego and my recuperation, I had a glimmer of hope. I took part in the last few matches of the qualifiers, I scored the goal against Peru, with the importance that it had. One hopes of being in the World Cup.”

Finally, the Boca Juniors idol referred to the crucial goal he scored against Peru, and whether it was essentially the reason why Los Albicelestes qualified for South Africa after a very bumpy qualifying campaign.

“I don`t think it was decisive. It was my effort during that game, with one minute left,” he said. “It was an important match when looking at qualification, and to feel that Diego has me in mind for the list doesn`t mean I have already won myself a place,” he concluded.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Argentina´s two most successful clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate suffered narrow defeats in round 11 of the Argentine Apertura championship on Sunday. Boca were beaten 2-1 by Gimnasia de La Plata and River were ousted 1-0 by Lanus.

Jesus Mendez gave Rosario the lead in the 4th minute when he fired home a brilliant free kick.

But Boca hit back ten minutes before half time when Juan Krupoviesa blasted in an even better free kick.

After the break, when Boca were dominating their opponents with efficient attacking football, Gonzalo Castillejos, in the 74th minute, scored what ended up being Central´s winning goal.

With the defeat Boca are now far away from their two objectives: winning the title and obtaining qualification for the 2010 Copa Libertadores.

River Plate returned to their normal self, with a 1-0 defeat to Lanus at the Monumental stadium. Lanus´ winner was converted by Maximiliano Velazquez in the 31st minute.

With the loss Leonardo Astrada´s side dropped down to 14th place, five points ahead of bottom placed Tigre.

In Sunday´s other matches, Chacarita Juniors drew 2-2 with Argentinos Juniors and Arsenal de Sarandi edged Independiente 1-0.

Defending champions, Velez Sarsfield, who beat Godoy Cruz 2-0 on Saturday, lead the championship with 24 points from 12 matches.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Boca Juniors are back in the title race after brushing aside Chacarita Juniors 3-o at the Bombonera stadium on Thursday.

Alfio Basile´s side proved superior to their opponents and won the game courtesy of goals from Federico Insua, Nicolas Gaitan and Sebastian Battaglia.

Argentine international Insua put Boca ahead in the 18th minute after good work from Chilean player Gary Medel.

Four minutes before half time Gaitan combined with Insua to double Boca´s advantage.

Sebastian Battaglia completed the rout in the 54th minute when he tapped the ball home from close range after a fine interchange of passes.

Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme left the field injured in the first half. It is believed that he will be out of action for one month.

In La Paternal, River Plate beat Argentinos Juniors 2-1 to claim their first away victory of the season.

Attackers Diego Buonanotte and Mauro Rosales converted River´s goals. While Nestor Ortigoza scored a consolation goal for Argentinos from the penalty spot with only seconds remaining in the game.

River have picked up their game under Leonardo Astrada in recents weeks, including recording a draw in the superclasico against Boca.

In Thursday´s other game, Lanus crushed Tigre 4-0 with strikes from Eduardo Salvio, Marcos Aguirre, Sebastian Blanco and Santiago Biglieri.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

The Argentine superclasico between archrivals River Plate and Boca Juniors ended in a tense 1:1 draw at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

River Plate started the stronger of the two sides but although they dominated much of the play they couldn´t translate their goal scoring opportunities into goals.

Los Millonarios came closest to going ahead when Nicolas Domingo was put through on goal, but the midfielder´s effort flashed inches wide of Roberto Abbondanzieri´s right post.

In the 24th minute Diego Buonanotte was brought down inside of the area for a penalty kick by Boca defender Fabian Monzon. Playmaker Ariel Ortega stepped up to the spot but his effort was brilliantly saved by Abbondanzieri.

But four minutes later Marcelo Gallardo put River ahead when he curled in an exquisite freekick to the delight of the vocal home crowd at the Monumental stadium. Gallardo scored a similar goal when the sides met at the Bombonera stadium earlier in the year.

Leonardo Astrada´s side went into the break with a narrow, but well deserved lead. River dominated their opponents, with perhaps their best forty five minutes of the season.

However, River received a major setback only minutes into the second half, when Cristian Villagra was sent off for a second bookable offence.

To the agony of Alfio Basile Paraguayan defender Julio Cesar Caceres was dismissed four minutes later after reacting violenty to an Ortega challenge.

With both teams even Boca began to play the better football, and they came close to scoring through both Nicolas Gaitan and Juan Roman Riquelme.

After much pressure in the 63rd minute Martin Palermo drew Boca level when he met a rebound inside of the area and beat Daniel Vega with a well placed shot.

After the goal the game was played at an electric pace, with exciting end to end football. Both teams looked extremely dangerous each time they moved forward.

River, who were being outplayed by Boca, almost went ahead for a second time in the 73rd minute when midfielder Matias Abelairas hit the woodwork with a powerful effort.

Moments later Gaitan came close to scoring for Boca, when he fired the ball over the crossbar after a fine individual move down the right flank.

In the 82nd minute a sensational Riquelme freekick was palmed out by Vega. The goalkeeper kept Los Millonarios in the game.

Boca threw everything at River as they searched for a late winner, while Astrada´s side continued to threaten with swift counterattacks.

The match ended in a tight draw that reflected the action on the field, as both teams looked very strong on the day but neither could prove their superiority.

Gregory Sica

SouthAmericanfutbol.com

When it comes to South American soccer, there’s arguably no rivalry more bitter than the one between Argentina’s two most popular clubs: Boca Juniors and River Plate. Between them, they have won an unprecedented 56 league championships, making them by far the two most successful clubs in the country.

Boca’s and River’s success goes beyond the domestic scene, as both also have won their fair share of international titles, including a total of eight triumphs in South America’s most important club competition, the Copa Libertadores.

Both clubs have maintained success over the years with all-star rosters, thanks to their financial superiority over the rest of the Argentine First Division. It’s no different this season. It’s no different this season. Boca boasts an incredibly talented squad that includes current and former Argentine national-teamers Juan Román Riquelme, Martín Palermo, Federico Insúa and Roberto Abbondanzieri. River counters similarly with Ariel Ortega, Marcelo Gallardo and Diego Buonanotte.

But despite the quality on hand, Boca and River have seen better days, not only domestically but also internationally. While both were rather surprisingly eliminated in the first phase of the Copa Sudamericana — South America’s second-tier international tournament — against lesser Argentine clubs last month, they have also faltered in the current Argentine Apertura Championship.

Nine rounds into the season, Boca finds itself mid-table (five points behind league leader San Lorenzo), while River’s problems are far more extensive — los Millonarios are in 16th place, only two points from the bottom.

Such poor starts have put both teams at risk of missing out on the 2010 Libertadores, something they simply can’t afford. The archrivals are keenly aware that perhaps the only way to salvage something from the season is by winning the Argentine Superclásico on Sunday at River’s Estadio Monumental (2 p.m. ET, Fox Sports en Español; 6 p.m. on delay on Fox Soccer Channel).

Regardless of how well or poorly either club is doing, the grudge match is always regarded as the most important game on the Argentine soccer calendar. This version won’t be the exception.

Has River completely lost the plot?

Los Millonarios may be the most celebrated team in the Argentine first division, but since winning the ’08 Clausura championship, they’re mired in the deepest crisis in their 108-year history. The drop-off led to the resignation of Diego Simeone and, more recently, Néstor Gorosito.

Far beyond coaching problems, a combination of factors are at work, including poor management, internal conflicts and, most important, the fact that the club isn’t producing or attracting quality players like it used to.

Over the last decade, River has boasted a host of well-known, world-class players such as Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuaín, Esteban Cambiasso, Martín Demichelis, Pablo Aimar, Juan Pablo Sorín, Lucho González, Santiago Solari, Javier Saviola and Andrés D’Alessandro. River also traditionally has attracted accomplished imports such as Marcelo Salas, Juan Pablo Ángel and Mario Yepes.

The quality of its squads was the reason for several titles over the past two decades. Since then, however there has been a significant decline in youth production. In recent years, foreigners Alexis Sánchez and Radamel Falcao García have been River’s best players. But because of the club’s financial constraints, it couldn’t afford to keep them.

River has lost a great deal of prestige, and the players it has recently purchased is clear evidence. Los Millonarios thought they had hit the jackpot when they beat Vélez Sársfield to the signature of Cristian Fabbiani this year, but the overweight striker has proved to be one of the worst signings in the club’s history. Not only has he performed horribly on the field, but he has also been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons off it.

Instead of relying on its youth, River decided the best way to go was to sign experienced veterans who had found success at the club earlier in their careers. This paved the way for the return of club idols Ortega, Gallardo and, more recently, Matías Almeyda. But despite their past achievements, those three players don’t have the legs to perform for a club of the status of River, and all have been largely disappointing. While Ortega and Almeyda arrived after fighting it out in the Argentine lower leagues, Gallardo signed after a forgettable spell at D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

What was River thinking? It can’t continue to rely on aging veterans if it intends to return to its glory days. Traditionally, River has been characterized for its fast, free-flowing soccer. Exciting players like D’Alessandro, Aimar and Saviola gave River a certain identity that not only was envied by Boca and its other Argentine rivals but also by top European clubs. The volume of soccer on display was breathtaking at times, as River ripped apart its opponents with swift penetrating runs and crisp, short passing. With so many veterans on its roster today, however, that kind of soccer is a distant memory.

Boca will bounce back

While River’s problems are much too complicated to be resolved soon, the same can’t be said about Boca’s. Los Xeneizes won their third successive league match, against Tigre last Sunday, and seem to be on the right path to recovery. Ever since Alfio Basile threatened the club with his resignation after the defeat to Godoy Cruz at the Bombonera stadium last month, the six-time Libertadores champions have been in fine form.

The difference between Boca and River is the way the club is managed. Boca offloaded a few key players in the offseason to generate profit, including Rodrigo Palacio, Juan Forlín and Fabián Vargas. But instead of putting all of the cash from the sales into the bank, the club found adequate replacements. Results didn’t appear immediately, but after some major setbacks, including Boca’s Sudamericana elimination, the team has found its top form with excellent timing heading into the Superclásico.

One of the main reasons for Boca’s revival this season has been the form of star players Riquelme and Palermo. After a slow start to the season, Riquelme finally has reached his peak, and the quality he’s producing has benefited the entire squad. Palermo, who only last year contemplated retirement, has experienced some of the greatest moments of his career recently.

After being recalled to the Argentine national team by Diego Maradona following a 10-year absence, he scored twice in a friendly match victory over Ghana and then scored Argentina’s memorable injury-time winner in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Peru. Had the 35-year-old Palermo not been at his best for Boca, and had he not scored a spectacular header from 40 yards out against Vélez, perhaps he would have been overlooked.

Boca has an enormous amount of depth, and if it’s able to defeat River at the Monumental as it did last year, it will revitalize its hopes of winning the championship. Such a thing seemed much too distant just a couple of weeks ago.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Boca Juniors have continued to escalate positions after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Tigre in Liniers on Sunday. Boca’s two goals were converted by Nicolas Gaitan in the second half. Carlos Luna pulled a goal back for the side from Victoria late in the second half.

Alfio Basile’s side moved up to tenth place with the win. While Tigre find themselves bottom of the table.

River Plate have continued to disappoint under Leonardo Astrada, and were held to a goalless draw by Huracan at the Tomas A. Duco stadium in Buenos Aires.

Los Millonarios are in 16th place, while Huracan are one position behind them in 17th place.

In Sunday’s other matches, Independiente drew 1-1 with Chacarita Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys edged Estudiantes de La Plata 2-1.

San Lorenzo climbed to the top of the league standings after a 1-0 win over Rosario Central on Friday night at the Nuevo Gasometro stadium. Bernardo Romeo scored their winner in the first half.

It was El Ciclon’s fifth win in nine matches, giving them a one point advantage over second placed Colon de Santa Fe.

Colon overcame Gimnasia de La Plata 2-1 at the Juan Carlos Zerillo stadium on Saturday.

In other results, Argentinos Juniors beat Racing Club 2-0 and Lanus and Velez Sarsfield drew 1-1.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Martin Palermo scored a remarkable long-distance header to give Boca Juniors a 3-2 win over Velez Sarsfield in an action packed encounter at the Bombonera stadium on Sunday.

Alfio Basile’s side were hoping to avenge their Copa Sudamericana elimination to Velez, but they suffered an early set-back when Leandro Caruso put the visitors ahead within minutes from the kick-off. But Boca came more into the game as the half progressed and Sebastian Battaglia drew them level ten minutes before half-time. However, their lead lasted shorty as Caruso put Velez back into the lead two minutes into the second half.

Boca turned on the style in the second half, with Juan Roman Riquelme equalising for them with a long-distance drive before Palermo earned them the three points with an extraordinary 40-metre header. Palermo intercepted a clearance from Velez goalkeeper German Montoya with a first-time header that found its way into an unguarded net. It was Palermo’s 200th goal in the Argentine first division.

Not only did Boca end a run of four successive defeats, but they got the better of a Velez side that knocked them out of the Copa Sudamericana.

San Lorenzo came from behind to defeat River Plate 2-1 in a highly contested Buenos Aires derby at the Nuevo Gasometro stadium on Sunday.

Attacker Diego Buonanotte fired River ahead from the penalty spot in the first half and after the break Los Millonarios came close to extending their advantage. However, towards the end of the game defender Gustavo Cabral reduced River to ten-men when he punched Jonathan Bottinelli inside of the area. Playmaker Leandro Romagnoli stepped up to the spot and drew El Ciclon level.

Three minutes later Romagnoli caught out Bernardo Romeo with a perfect ball and the veteran made no mistake with a smart header to hand San Lorenzo the three points. The match called for the resignation of Nestor Gorosito, who had announced his decision to step down as the coach of River on Friday.

In Sunday’s other games, Gimnasia de La Plata overcame Chacarita Juniors 2-0 and Lanus defeated Godoy Cruz 1-0. Gimnasia and Lanus claimed only their second victories of the season.

A first half strike from Matias Caruzzo was the difference as Argentinos Juniors edged Estudiantes de La Plata 1-0 in La Paternal on Saturday. With the win Argentinos jumped into second-place on the table, one point behind league leaders Estudiantes.

Newell’s Old Boys thrashed Atletico Tucuman 3-0 with goals from Juan Insaurralde, Jorge Achucarro and Mauro Formica. Newell’s moved into fifth-place after a comprehensive victory.

Huracan beat Racing Club 3-1 and Arsenal de Sarandi ousted Rosario Central 1-0. All four teams have struggled a great deal this season.

Finally on Friday, Independiente beat Tigre 2-1 and Colon de Santa Fe fought out a goalless draw with Banfield. El Taladro missed out on a good opportunity to climb to the top of the table.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

River Plate and Boca Juniors, Argentina’s two most popular clubs, currently find themselves in crisis, and unless the situation reverses immediately not only will they be out of the Argentine title race this season, but they will fail to gain entry into the 2010 Copa Libertadores, which would be their greatest set-back.

Both teams are in the bottom end of the Argentine Apertura Championship after five rounds, and on the weekend it seemed that both would be without a coach, as while it was reported that Boca’s Alfio Basile presented his resignation, the River fans protested against the continuation of Nestor Gorosito in the role. This came after devastating defeats to lowly Godoy Cruz and Arsenal de Sarandi, respectively.

Early Copa Sudamericana elimination

Last week both River and Boca were eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana. River were completely outplayed by Lanus, losing both home and away legs for a 3-1 aggregate defeat. Boca were up against Argentine champions Velez Sarsfield, and were ousted 2-1 on aggregate. Boca, two-time winners of the competition, were highly motivated to inflict elimination on Velez, but couldn’t match the most in-form team in the country.

Why are Boca the shadow of the team they were last year?

Believe it or not, but only nine months ago Boca claimed their 23rd national championship after triumphing in a three-way playoff with Tigre and San Lorenzo. It seemed that the club were on the right track, and would continue their domination of the Argentine competition in 2009. However, rather surprisingly, Boca flopped in both the Clausura championship and the Copa Libertadores. In an attempt to return to the success from last season, Boca’s squad was reinforced with plenty of quality looking ahead to the current Apertura championship, and Alfio Basile was called upon to replace Carlos Ischia at the helm.

After a positive tour of Europe, where they beat AC Milan, Aris Salonika and AEK Athens, after a narrow and unjustified defeat to Manchester United, Boca came into the Argentine Apertura championship as the main contenders. However, after five rounds Boca have only won once, and after their unexpected 3-2 loss to lowly Godoy Cruz at the Bombonera, it seemed that Basile was on his way out. Since then, Boca general manager Carlos Bianchi confirmed that Basile will complete his contract, but the situation continues to be very complicated.

During a two-hour long reunion between Bianchi, Basile and other members from the coaching staff, Boca’s recent lack of success was discussed. Despite having sold key players Fabian Vargas, Juan Forlin and Rodrigo Palacio, Boca continue to have a very strong squad, and can’t afford to be in this position. Much of the reason why Boca have started off the season on the wrong foot is because Basile has yet to find an effective game plan, and Boca’s stars, Juan Roman Riquelme, Sebastian Battaglia, Gary Medel, Federico Insua and Martin Palermo are all under performing. But in reality, it seems that it is only a matter of time before Boca return to winning ways. Basile has only recently arrived at the club, and with more time to work will surely get the team playing the kind of football that is expected of them.

River Plate’s problems are much more serious…

If Boca are facing problems, what is left for River? Los Millonarios aren’t the force they once used to be, and have lost the respect of their opponents and their fans. Strangely enough, after having won the Clausura championship of 2008 under Diego Simeone, the following season River finished rock-bottom, which was their worst campaign in 108 years of existence. Simeone moved on, and this paved the way for Gorosito. But the situation at the club hasn’t changed one bit with the former Argentinos Juniors boss, as River were disastrous in the Clausura championship of 2009 and also in the Copa Libertadores.

Despite heavy criticism, Gorosito was given another opportunity to change the club’s fortunes in the proceeding Apertura championship. But five rounds into the season River have only won once, and find themselves in fifteenth place on the table. Their Copa Sudamericana elimination at the hands of Lanus also proved that they are no longer a force, and the situation doesn’t seem to have any immediate solution.

Like midfielder Matias Almeyda recently explained, sacking Gorosito and bringing in somebody else won’t change anything, but could even worsen the situation. The reason why River have been struggling so much in recent years is because of the decisions made in the board room. River are a club who sell plenty of their players to Europe, but they have failed to use the cash from the transfers wisely.

Are River Plate a retirement home?

For a club like River signing veterans like Ariel Ortega, Marcelo Gallardo and Almeyda was always going to be a big mistake. Although still quality players, the three are well past their prime, and don’t seem to be up to the circumstances. Furthermore, River beat several clubs to the signing of Cristian Fabbiani, an overrated striker who doesn’t have what it takes to play for a club of River’s status. As was expected Fabbiani has been very disappointing, and has let down his team-mates time and time again, something which he admits. One of few world-class players on River’s books was Colombian striker Radamel Falcao Garcia, but he was sold to FC Porto of Portugal at the end of last season.

What River have to do is focus on youth development, as they had been doing in the past. Several talented players have emerged from the club’s youth ranks over the years, and although this production has somewhat declined, the situation could be resolved with thought and planning.

Argentina’s smaller clubs have smartened up

The rise to prominence of several smaller clubs is perhaps the biggest reason why River and Boca have been struggling. In the past both clubs would sign the best players available from Argentina’s smaller clubs, and this would mean they would have by far the strongest squads. However, in recent years the smaller clubs have been hesitant about selling to Argentina’s “big two”, as they know that if they hold on to their players and wait for offers from wealthier European clubs they will gain a much greater profit from the deals.

A team who have taken this approach are Lanus, and this is why they have been so successful. Rather than selling players to other Argentine clubs, they have maintained them and this has given them great results. Other teams like Velez Sarsfield, Banfield and Huracan have also done their part to cut the dominance of Argentina’s two wealthiest clubs.

Question - Are these valid reasons for the decline of River and Boca? Will both clubs return to prominence in the near future?

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Boca Juniors coach Alfio Basile presented his resignation to the club’s general manager, Carlos Bianchi, after the 3-2 defeat to Godoy Cruz at the Bombonera stadium on Sunday. However, according to the latest reports the coach has overturned his decision.

Boca, Argentina’s most popular club, fell behind to an early Matias Jara strike, but Sebastian Battaglia and Gary Medel turned the match in favour of Boca ten minutes into the second half.

Basile’s side were reduced to ten men with Medel’s sending off for attacking an opponent moments later, and Federico Higuain drew Godoy Cruz level from the penalty spot.

In second half injury-time Godoy Cruz broke on a clever counterattack, and Cristian Chavez appeared to hand the visitors the three points.

The furious fans at the Bombonera stadium jeered at Boca’s players and asked for Basile’s resignation at the conclusion of the match. The coach listened to them, but seemed to have changed his mind after speaking to Bianchi and Boca playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme.

River Plate also experienced a devastating defeat, this time at the hands of Arsenal de Sarandi. The only goal of the match was a penalty kick converted by Cristian Alvarez in the first half.

After the match there were also calls for the resignation of Nestor Gorosito, but the River boss confirmed that he will stay on. River slumped to their third defeat in five matches and find themselves in fifteenth place.

The highly anticipated Buenos Aires derby between San Lorenzo and Racing Club ended in a goalless draw at the Nuevo Gasometro stadium. Both teams failed to break each other down over the length of the ninety minutes.

Racing should be the more disappointed of the two sides, as they played with an extra man for almost an entire hour, after Aureliano Torres was sent off for San Lorenzo.

Lanus fell to an unexpected 2-0 home defeat to Newell’s Old Boys in the South of Buenos Aires. Jorge Achucarro and Antonio Boghossian scored for the visitors. Newell’s jumped into fifth place with the win.

On Saturday, Independiente came from two goals behind to force a 2-2 draw with Argentine Clausura champions Velez Sarsfield.

Colon de Santa Fe beat Chacarita Juniors 2-0 and Gimnasia de La Plata defeated Tigre by the same score. Meanwhile, Argentinos Juniors edged Atletico Tucuman 2-1.

Estudiantes de La Plata overtook Rosario Central at the top of the table after thrashing Huracan 4-1 on Friday night. Second-placed Rosario Central were held to a goalless draw by Banfield at the Gigante de Arroyito stadium.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com