Argentine Superliga round-up week 12: Central edge Clásico Rosarino and the Copa Libertadores hangover
Three games of fecha 12 were already played coming into this weekend. Reasons for this vary from other activities in the cities to continental football.
River Plate was one of those teams who played their game on the 22nd of November. They beat Union 2-0 at home, one of the few positive results from Gallardo’s side recently.
Velez Sarsfield lost 0-1 at home to Godoy Cruz 3 weeks ago but have picked up 4 points from their next two games. They still sit disappointingly in 19th.
San Lorenzo comfortably beat Atletico Tucuman at home. Blandi opened the scoring early on and Reniero finished the game off with a late goal. 2-0.
Back to last weekend…
Temperley picked up an important victory over Tigre in a relegation clash. The hosts are still in the relegation zone after this 2-1 victory but these three points were very welcome.
Patronato edged Olimpo 1-0 in another relegation battle. Sebastian Ribas scored the only goal in Parana to record Patronato’s 4th victory of the season.
Belgrano are yet to concede a goal at home this season after their 1-0 victory over high flying Huracan. The Estadio Gigante de Alberdi has proven to be a real fortress this season!
Argentinos Jrs picked up some valuable points away at Banfield in an absolute goal-fest. The visitors took the lead twice but Banfield equalized on both occasions. A goal from Brian Romero proved to be the difference and resulted in three points for the visitors. 2-3.
Independiente’s reserves picked up a victory away at Arsenal. Arsenal are rock-bottom of the league and their future doesn’t look bright if they can’t pick up points against a B-team. Arsenal 1 x 2 Independiente. Independiente rotated their side heavily due to the upcoming Copa Sudamericana final against Flamengo.
Rosario Central edged Newell’s in the Clásico Rosarino. Clásico’s usually lack attractive football and this game was no different. It was exciting to watch though, with players and fans giving their all. An early goal from Herrera separated both sides and resulted in a 1-0 victory for Central. Central got some of the best fans in South America. They produced a 500-meter long banner which covered almost the entire stadium pre kick-off. Definitely worth looking up!
Colon were still unbeaten at home this season but Talleres ended that record with a 0-2 victory. Both sides had some good chances but Talleres grabbed a well-deserved victory. The Cordoba-based side currently sit in 3rd position. Not bad for your second season in the top flight!
Racing Club got back to winning ways in front of their home fans as they beat Gimnasia 3-1. Gimnasia have only picked up 4 points in their 6 away games now. Racing still sit disappointingly in 14th place.
Boca Juniors picked up a narrow victory over Estudiantes in Quilmes. Estudiantes probably deserved more but Wilmar Barrios of all people scored the only goal of the game. Boca have restored their 3-point lead with San Lorenzo and lead the Superliga table.
Two in-form sides faced each other on Monday as San Martin hosted Defensa y Justicia. Both sides have had a bright start to the season but it was San Martin who took all three points. A goal from Barcelo in the first half proved to be enough. San Martin have picked up 15 points in their 7 home games so far, which gives them the second-best home record so far, just after Boca Juniors.
Lanus are dealing with a typical Copa Libertadores hangover. The finalists lost their head coach too last week and lacked the power to overcome Chacarita Juniors. The hosts actually recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Lanus. It just shows how much losing a game with such importance can actually affect a team’s mentality.
Player of the week:
Federico Rosso, Chacarita Juniors.
Federico Rosso popped up with two goals from centreback giving the hosts a much-needed victory.
News:
- Gabriel Heinze has been appointed as manager of Velez Sarsfield. The former PSG and Real Madrid defender successfully promoted Argentinos Juniors last season. A promising appointment which should see Velez regain their form soon.
- Maxi Romero reportedly already signed for Stuttgart last week but it looks like Maxi is heading towards the Netherlands now. PSV have agreed on a verbal deal with the club and bettered Stuttgart’s offer. A reported deal of 12M with Velez receiving 10% of his next transfer. A good deal for both sides, Maxi could turn out to be a real star in the Netherlands.
- River Plate have somewhat rescued their season with a 2-1 win over Atletico Tucuman in the cup final.
- Humberto Grondona resigned as Arsenal manager after their 1-2 defeat to Independiente.
Table
| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | P |
| 1 | Boca Juniors | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 30 |
| 2 | San Lorenzo | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 27 |
| 3 | Union de Santa Fe | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 22 |
| 4 | Talleres de Cordoba | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 21 |
| 5 | Huracan | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 21 |
| 6 | Independiente | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
| 7 | Colon | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 20 |
| 8 | San Martin | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 20 |
| 9 | Belgrano | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 20 |
| 10 | Defensa y Justicia | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 18 |
| 11 | Argentinos Juniors | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 17 |
| 12 | Godoy Cruz | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 17 |
| 13 | Estudiantes | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 17 |
| 14 | Racing Club | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| 15 | Atletico Tucuman | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| 16 | Banfield | 12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| 17 | River Plate | 12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| 18 | Patronato | 12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| 19 | Velez Sarsfield | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 14 |
| 20 | Newell’s Old Boys | 12 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 13 |
| 21 | Gimnasia La Plata | 12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 13 |
| 22 | Rosario Central | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 13 |
| 23 | Lanus | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 13 |
| 24 | Temperley | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
| 25 | Chacarita Juniors | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| 26 | Olimpo | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| 27 | Tigre | 12 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| 28 | Arsenal Sarandi | 12 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 |