Argentine Superliga round-up week 4: Boca unstoppable and Nelson Vivas resigns

We opened fecha 4 in Cordoba where Belgrano hosted Tigre. Tigre were still looking for their first win of the season and knew it was going to be a tough game. Belgrano, on the other hand, started the season brightly and were favourites before kickoff. However, neither side ended up with three points as the game finished in a bore draw. A bit of a let-down for Belgrano, who now sit in 10th position. Patronato continued to impress on Friday as they beat Tucuman 2-1 in Parana. They’ve now won 3 out of their first 4 games and comfortably sit in 4th place. The hosts have climbed up on the Promedios table and are now 7 places clear of relegation.

Temperley faced Arsenal in Sarandi in an early relegation-clash on Saturday. The perfect chance for the hosts to pick up their first three points of the season. However, it was Temperley who took all three points as they beat Arsenal 0-1. Arsenal are currently 26th in the relegation and average 1.013 points per game. Huracan hosted Union de Santa Fe who got somewhat of a surprising victory last week against DyJ. This game was less exciting, though. A classic stalemate which meant that Union kept their unbeaten run this season. Both teams won’t be too disappointed with a point. However, the visitors had the best chances to take all three points back to Santa Fe.

Chacarita drew both of their first two games and were looking for their first win against a talented Talleres side on Saturday. Talleres took the lead shortly after halftime via Uruguayan defender Lucas Olazo. The visitors managed to hold on despite being a man down since the 66th minute. Chacarita looked frustrated late on as they were looking for an equalizer which resulted in two expulsados. Gagliardi and Ibanez both got themselves sent off which meant the game ended with 19 players instead of 22. A 0-1 victory for Talleres. Chacarita will need to pick up points soon but it probably won’t be anytime soon as they visit Boca Juniors next week.

Boca Juniors were in for a tricky game themselves as they faced Velez Sarsfield in Liniers. However, Boca Juniors seem to be unstoppable this season and Velez weren’t able to stop them either. Colombian left back Frank Fabra was the man of the match with a goal and an assist in a 0-4 victory. The Envigado youth-product was a constant threat on the left flank, had the most touches (88) and completed the most dribbles(6). Boca weren’t as convincing as the scoreline may suggest but they were clinical in front of goal. Dario Benedetto bagged a brace himself and will be happy with his performance as Sampaoli and Beccacece were both in attendance in Liniers. It’s hard to see any other team winning the Superliga this season, definitely when Boca are capable to win games like this with ease.

Godoy Cruz were looking to get back to winning ways as they hosted a weakened Independiente in Mendoza. The visitors deserved more but a Santiago Garcia penalty gave all three points to Godoy Cruz. A rather poor start for El Rojo who have only picked up 4 points so far. Expect them to improve over the course of the season when the continental competitions are over. Gimnasia edged past Olimpo in a 0-1 victory, Aleman with the only goal of the game.

Nelson Vivas resigned as manager of Defensa y Justicia following their 3-1 defeat against Colon on Sunday. Colon are a decent side at home and a loss shouldn’t be that much of an issue but Nelson Vivas resigned nonetheless. Remarkable, as he has only been in charge for 6 games and it seems like a bit of a rushed decision. The former Arsenal defender was in charge of Estudiantes last season where he famously ripped his shirt after he was sent to the stands. Definitely worth looking up if you haven’t seen it! Anyway, Defensa y Justicia will have to look for a new manager now. Also worth noting that just like last week, German Conti was excellent again and even popped up with the opening goal. Such an underrated player with plenty of room for improvement as he’s only 23!

Banfield had a trip to Rosario where they faced Central. El Taladro had less than 35% possession but managed to score 4 times and concede none. Cvitanich, again, one of the standout players for Banfield as he scored a brace. His first one was a really fine goal as he controlled the ball nicely, skipped past his marker and slotted it past the keeper. His second one was scored via the spot but it shouldn’t have been a penalty in the first place. A disgusting dive by Bertolo gave Cvitanich the chance to double Banfield’s lead and Rosario Central were never really able to recover from that goal.

River Plate were coming into the game with a high morale after their midweek game against Jose Wilstermann. The Argentine side trashed Wilstermann 8-0 in the Monumental. Scocco scored 5 goals and assisted once. Back to the Superliga. Scocco started again up front but couldn’t add to his 5 goals from midweek. It was Pity Martinez who opened the scoring from the penalty spot but it wasn’t done just yet. Argentinos jrs. played their best game of the season so far and equalised shortly before halftime via Gonzalez. River Plate were unable to retake their lead and thus ended the game in a 1-1 draw. It will be a hard task to keep up with Boca and River will definitely need to win these games at home to stay in the title race.

Another disappointing game for one of the ‘ big 5 ‘ as Racing Club drew 0-0 at home to San Martin. Racing saw most of the ball and dominated the game but weren’t able to break down San Martin’s defence. The second stalemate in a row for Racing as they also drew 0-0 with Corinthians midweek. However, that result proved to be enough as Racing advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana.

Lanus edged past Newell’s on Monday with a 1-0 win. Lanus managed to advance over San Lorenzo in the Copa Libertadores in midweek and have now won three games in a row. The last game of round 4 took place in La Plata as Estudiantes hosted San Lorenzo. The visitors came into this game with low morale after their Copa Libertadores disaster. However, they took the lead early on after Belluschi tapped in a beautiful cross from Paulo Diaz. Veteran striker Pavone equalized just after half-time but Diego Aguirre may have saved his job this game as San Lorenzo did indeed take all three points. Blandi got El Ciclon back in front and Belluschi secured their victory late on. 1-3.