Argentina Primera Division round-up: Newell’s and Estudiantes play out dull draw, Quilmes lose again
Friday April 14
We started this week’s football in Parque Patricios, where Huracan hosted Arsenal de Sarandi. After 5 straight losses Arsenal finally got back to winning ways. The game was level late on but Sotelo Sanchez scored from close range to bring all 3 points back to Sarandi. Lanus were disappointing and drew 0-0 at home to San Martin. Just 1 win from their last 5 games now. No bueno.
Saturday April 15
The biggest game this weekend took place on Saturday. Newell’s Old Boys played Estudiantes in Rosario. There was a lot of hype for this game but it turned out to be a dull 0-0. Both teams were probably unhappy with sharing the points. San Lorenzo can overtake both if they manage to win on Sunday and Boca Juniors can extend their lead.
Velez Sarzfield got a 0-1 win away at Bahia Blanca and Racing continued their good run of form. Youngster Lautaro Martinez scored a brace and Sarmiento Junin were only able to score a consolation goal late on. That’s 7 wins from 10 games.
Independiente had issues with scoring goals so they trained an entire week on finishing only. It proved to be worth it last week as they trashed Patronato 5-0 away from home. A game with an early goal and Independiente were able to catch them a couple of times on the break. This week was different. They played in Buenos Aires in front of their home fans against Rafaela but struggled to break them down. Rafaela took the lead shortly after halftime meaning that Independiente needed to score. Something they have struggled with this season. They did though, Emanuel Gigliotti scored his first goal in 2 years of football. No goals after that one so it stayed 1-1.
In the Clásico Cordobés, Belgrano also drew 1-1 with Talleres. A game which was overshadowed by the fact that a Belgrano fan was thrown off the stands. He eventually passed away in the hospital. Thoughts go out to his close friends and family and everyone involved.
Sunday April 16
Sunday was a big day for San Lorenzo and Boca Juniors. El Ciclon were facing Tucuman away from home while Boca Juniors had an easier game at home to Patronato. San Lorenzo have been missing a true goalscorer since Martin Cauteruccio left for Mexico. Nicolas Blandi hasn’t impressed so far and they relied on penalty king Nestor Ortigoza last week. His penalty was the only difference in the match and this week Los Cuervos were again unable to impress up front. They didn’t find the target this week, but Tucuman did. Franco Zampedri connected to a corner and headed the ball against the back of the net, a goal which proved to be the only one of the game. San Lorenzo will be furious with themselves for not overtaking both Estudiantes and Newell’s.
Boca knew they had to win if they wanted to extend their lead at the top of the Primera División. After some chances in the first half there was only one man who could break the deadlock. Dario Benedetto put Boca 1-0 up just before HT. Everything looked fine until stoppage time. Damián Arce scored a volley from close range meaning the standings at the top of the table didn’t change after all. Boca Juniors are still on top but only have a 5-point gap.
Banfield lost 3-1 away to Godoy Cruz. Both teams had a man sent off and both occasions were questionable to say the least. Carlos Matheu blocked a ball on the line with his knee but the referee thought it was a handball, resulting in a sending off and a penalty which Javier Correa converted. 3-1. Colon got a 1-0 win away at Quilmes, who have now lost 10 of their last 11 games. Meanwhile in Santa Fe, Union lost at home to the team with possibly the best name in the league. Defensa y Justicia got a solid 2-0 victory away from home.
River Plate have actually won all of their games but one in 2017 and continued that streak on Sunday. Los Millonarios got a 2-0 win away versus Tigre and move up to 4th place. River are the real winners this week with all teams above them drawing. They overtake San Lorenzo who are now 5th.
Monday April 17
There were still two games to be played on Monday: Temperley vs Rosario Central and Gimnasia vs Aldosivi. Rosario Central got a 2-1 away at Temperley who could be in relegation trouble now. Experienced striker Marco Ruben scored the winner for Canallas. Gimnasia continued their unbeaten streak with again another close victory. Their 1-0 win means they still haven’t lost a game since they faced Lanus in December!
And that wraps it up for this week! I want to thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed this week’s coverage on the Argentine Primera División. If you have any questions on Argentine football feel free to tweet me @VicenteGuzman_. I also have my own website based on South American football. Check it out if you want – www.el-goleador.com.