Argentina Primera División round-up week 24: The Clásico weekend!
Friday, May 12
We started this year’s Clásico weekend off with a derby between San Martin and Godoy Cruz. Uruguayan attacker Santiago García gave Godoy Cruz a 0-2 lead with his brace and San Martin were only able to get one goal back. Another victory for Godoy Cruz who haven’t lost any of their last 5 games now.
Saturday, May 13
El Clásico Platense or the Clásico de la Plata is one of the most fiercely contested derbies in Argentina. Estudiantes just edged Gimnasia in this year’s edition, with a 1-0 win. 35-year old midfielder Israel Damonte opened the scoring in the first half and Estudiantes were able to see the game out. Estudiantes are probably out of the title contention but are definitely in the race for the Copa Libertadores spots.
The next game took place in Cordoba, where Talleres hosted Belgrano. Former Anderlecht striker Matías Suarez opened the scoring for Belgrano but the points were shared. Ezequiel Rescaldini, who recently joined from Atletico Nacional, equalised in the second half. Final score 1-1.
Banfield continued to impress at home in the Clásico del Sur. Nicolas Bertolo opened the scoring on the stroke of half time and Lanus couldn’t turn the deficit around. Another win for Banfield in the Estadio Florencio Sola, where they have won 11 out of their last 15 games. Banfield currently sit in 5th place and may even have a shot at qualification for the Copa Libertadores.
In a derby that really isn’t a derby, Rafaela continued their hot form with a 1-0 home win over Tucuman. Mathias Abero scored a 94th-minute winner in the ‘Atletico’ derby. Aldosivi were unable to turn their 6-game losing streak around as they lost 2-0 away to Olimpo.
Last game on Saturday was the Clásico between Huracan and San Lorenzo. Last week it was a defender who secured all 3 points for El Ciclon and this time it was no different. Marcos Angeleri, who returned to Argentina last year after a spell at Malaga, scored the only goal of the game. The defender connected to a cross and scored his header from close range. San Lorenzo’s strikers have been in poor form and again a defender bailed them out.
Sunday, May 14
The first game on Sunday was played in Santa Fé. The points were shared as Colon drew 1-1 with Union de Santa Fé. Colon, who were surprisingly high up the table, but have now dropped points in their last two games and have fallen back to 7th position.
One of the biggest derbies in Argentina is the derby in Rosario. Newell’s Old Boys were up against Rosario Central. This Clásico has one of the best atmospheres around, with fireworks, tifos and banners not being unusual. It was a must-win game for Newell’s but they weren’t able to get all 3 points. In fact, they got none, as Central beat them 1-3. Central were 0-2 up at half time after Federico Carrizo opened the scoring. Fan-favourite and captain, Marco Ruben doubled their lead. Newell’s got one back in the 89th minute but it was all too late. In fact, German Herrera ended all hopes for Newell’s with a late goal. Newell’s could be out of the title race, depending on the Super Clásico.
Probably the biggest game of the continent. The Super Clásico. Boca Juniors vs River Plate. After Newell’s dropped points, Boca Juniors had the chance to take a huge step towards the title. But River Plate had other plans. Pity Martinez opened the scoring for River Plate with a sublime volley and Lucas Alario doubled River’s lead within 25 minutes. Former Real midfielder Fernando Gago got one back on the stroke of halftime. He whipped in a free kick which flew straight into the back of the net. Batalla should have done better on that occasion. Batalla came up big in the 2nd half with some really good saves as Boca were piling on the pressure. Sebastian Driussi sealed River’s victory in injury time. A huge win for them as they move to 3rd position with a game in hand. If they manage to win that game they are only 1 point behind Boca Juniors. The title race is back open!
The Clásico de Avellaneda is a game between red and blue. A game between two teams from the ‘big five’. Independiente vs Racing Club. Racing had to play without their in-form striker Lautaro Martinez, who joined the Argentine U20 squad for the World Cup. Independiente scored at least two goals for the 5th game in a row as they beat Racing 2-0. Winger Emiliano Rigoni scored the first goal of the game in the 61st minute and sub Maximiliano Meza sealed the victory in injury time. Another good win for La Roja who currently sit just 1 point behind Racing. Patronato drew 2-2 with Sarmiento Junin in the last Clasico on Sunday.
Monday, May 15
There were still 3 games to be played on Monday. Defensa y Justicia got a 2-0 win at home over Quilmes, who are getting in some serious relegation trouble. Velez Sarzfield just edged Tigre at home in a 2-1 win and Arsenal de Sarandi beat Temperley 2-0. All home wins on Monday.