Argentina Primera Divisi贸n round-up week 27: San Lorenzo edge River Plate, Boca Juniors cruising to the title
Friday, June 2
We started round 27 off in Junin, where Sarmiento were hosting Defensa y Justicia. Sarmiento just edged Defensa y Justicia in a 1-0 win. A bit of a surprise given the form of the visitors, but all three points stayed in Junin. Godoy Cruz were also surprised as they lost 0-2 at home to Atletico Rafaela. Rafaela rebounded with a win after back to back losses.
Saturday, June 3
Lanus 1-0 Estudiantes
It was an important game for Estudiantes, as they were looking to get into the Copa Libertadores spots. It was never going to be an easy trip away to Lanus as Lanus are still aiming for continental football. An early goal from youngster Matias Sanchez proved to be the difference. Estudiantes have dropped out of the top 5 (which gives you a ticket for the Copa Libertadores). They have three games to get back into it.
Union Santa Fe 2-1 Newell鈥檚
Newell鈥檚 are also in the race for a Copa Libertadores spot. But just like Estudiantes, the Rosario-based club lost all three points on the road. Union got an early lead as well as Sebastian Prediger getting himself sent off for Newell鈥檚 just before half time. An own goal from Union gave Newell鈥檚 some hope but Rodrigo Erramuspe secured all three points for Union with a late strike.
Around the grounds
Rosario Central weren鈥檛 able to improve from last week鈥檚 draw away at the Monumental. Another 0-0 draw for Canallas as they weren鈥檛 able to score past Colon, they find themselves in 11th place now. Temperley got a 2-1 win over Talleres and Velez Sarzfield got an impressive 3-0 victory over Tigre who have been in shambles since Troglio left for Universitario in Peru.
Sunday, June 4
San Lorenzo 2-1 River Plate
The Nuevo Gasometro was shaking as San Lorenzo had an important game against River Plate who seemed to be the only side that could catch Boca Juniors. San Lorenzo were looking for a positive result here after back to back losses against Aldosivi and Racing Club. Nicolas Blandi put the hosts in front early on but Sebastian Driussi converted his penalty to level things on in the 19th minute. Unfortunately for River Plate, Driussi had to be subbed off shortly after. He may be out for the rest of the season. Chilean defender Pablo Diaz brought the hosts back in front in the 55th minute. It proved to be the final goal of the game, an important victory for El Ciclon.
Gimnasia La Plata 1-2 Banfield
Banfield are flying high in the Argentina Primera Divis铆on and had the chance to move further away from the 5th position. They secured all three points in La Plata and moved into 3rd position! Former Ajax striker Dario Cvitanich scored the winner for El Taladro. The partially Croatian attacker has been a successful signing so far. He has scored 7 goals and assisted 3 times in 13 appearances.
Boca Juniors 3-0 Independiente
Like Banfield, Boca also had to replace a striker this year. Dario Benedetto has done very well to replace Carlos Tevez. He鈥檚 scored 18 goals in 22 appearances so far, and has played a big part in Boca鈥檚 success. Another brace for Benedetto and Boca Juniors extend their lead to 4 points. With only 3 games remaining it鈥檚 all in Boca鈥檚 hands. Surely, they won鈥檛 screw this up!
Around the grounds
Arsenal de Sarandi got a somewhat surprising win in Cordoba, as they beat Belgrano 1-2. Huracan took an early lead away at Olimpo but fell apart later on. A quick brace from Fernando Coniglio gave Olimpo the lead and Rodrigo Cabalucci added a 3rd before the break. A 3-1 win for Olimpo. The last game on Sunday took place in Tucuman. Just like some of the other games, the outcome of this one was very unpredictable. San Martin managed to get a 2-1 win on their trip to Tucuman.
Monday, June 5
There were still two games to be played on Monday. Quilmes lost again, this time at home to Patronato. A much needed narrow 0-1 victory for Rojinegro. Racing Club were denied at Aldosivi. Aldosivi stole some points off San Lorenzo a couple of weeks ago and did the same on Monday. A 1-1 draw is bad news for Racing Club as they are chasing a Copa Libertadores spot. Youngster Lautaro Martinez was back from a disappointing World Cup with the U20’s squad. He immediately proved his worth as he scored the equaliser. There鈥檚 a big future ahead of him, that鈥檚 for sure!