Argentina Primera División roundup week 25: Boca Juniors get crucial win, Aldosivi shock San Lorenzo

Friday, May 19

Banfield are flying high this year as they sit in 5th position. They pick most of their points up at home and usually struggle away from home. Atletico Tucuman were able to exploit Banfield’s poor away form, as they beat them 3-0.

Saturday, May 20

Saturday’s early kick-off saw Belgrano draw with Patronato. Patronato definitely need to pick up some points this year or they could be in real danger next season. The relegated teams in Argentina are decided via a point system based on the last 3 seasons. There will be some pressure on them next season, that’s for sure! Lanus were able to stop Atletico Rafaela’s good run of form with a 2-0 home win. You can usually find Jose Sand on the scoresheet if Lanus win and it was no different this time. The veteran striker sealed the victory with a goal in the 81st minute.

Talleres got back to winning ways as they got a 4-1 victory at Sarmiento Junin. Afer this win Talleres still have a chance to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana.

Boca Juniors got a crucial win in the title race. They were too strong at home for Newell’s, a Dario Benedetto goal proved to be the difference. Benedetto has done a good job replacing Carlos Tevez, who left Boca Juniors for China earlier this season.

Arsenal continued their momentum with a somewhat surprising win away against Union de Santa Fé, a team who are usually fairly decent at home. Final score, 0-1. Tigre drew 1-1 at home to San Martin and Independiente just edged past Huracan. Independiente were 0-1 down until the 81st minute. Ezequiel Barco converted a penalty and Independiente got all three points with the last kick of the game. Walter Erviti, who joined from Banfield earlier this season, scored the winner in the 95th minute. Independiente are unbeaten in 12 games and are now in with a chance to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

Sunday, May 21

Godoy Cruz got a 3-0 victory over Velez as Temperley also got a 3-0 victory. Their opponents, Colon, haven’t won in their last three matches now even though they won 7 in a row prior to that. San Lorenzo were shocked at home by Aldosivi as they lost 0-1. San Lorenzo were probably not 100 percent fit as they played a tough match against Flamengo midweek. No excuses for losing at home to Aldosivi though, a team that had lost their last 7 games. Title hopes are probably gone for El Ciclon.

Quilmes lost again as Defensa y Justicia got an important 0-2 win. Defensa y Justicia still have a chance to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana. Rosario Central got an impressive 4-1 victory at home to Racing Club. Racing dropped out of the top 5 and currently sit in 9th position, just two points above Rosario Central.

Monday, May 22

There were still two games to be played on Monday. Olimpo were hosting Estudiantes and River were visiting Gimnasia. Estudiantes took the lead early on through Colombian forward Otero but couldn’t hold on to their lead. In fact, Olimpo turned their 0-1 deficit around before half time. A brace from Fernando Coniglio put the hosts in front. Fransisco Pizzini secured all three points for Olimpo just before injury time. A big blow for Estudiantes, who have dropped out of the top 5 now.

River are probably the only team who can catch Boca Juniors as they beat Gimnasia 3-0 away from home. Sebastian Driussi got River Plate off to a good start. The youngster has been linked with a move to Europe recently, with Sampdoria being one of the possible destinations. Boca Juniors are still 4 points clear but River Plate do have a game in hand.