Argentina Primera Division roundup: Important wins for Newell’s and Racing, Belgrano in trouble

Friday, April 21

We started this week off in El Pedro Bidegain, where San Lorenzo faced Temperley. A winnable game for Diego Aguirre’s side. The outcome proved to be different as Temperley got a shock 0-1 win. Leonardo Di Lorenzo scored the only goal of the game. San Lorenzo are now in 7th place! They were title contenders a few weeks back but will now struggle to get into the Copa Libertadores. Will Diego Aguirre keep his job as San Lorenzo manager?

Saturday, April 22

Newell’s got a 3-0 win away at Aldosivi, meaning they are still in the title race. Racing were involved in a cracking scoreline, as they beat Atletico Tucuman 4-3. Racing have won eight out of their last nine games but conceded at least one goal in their last six games. Their defence needs to improve if they want to keep their Copa Libertadores spot.

Banfield were quite lucky with their 2-0 home win against Quilmes, who have now lost their last nine games. Quilmes had two men sent off and missed a penalty as well. Former Nice striker Dario Cvitanich secured the victory for Banfield with his goal in the 86th minute.

Defensa y Justicia, Velez Sarzfield and Rosario Central all got home wins on Saturday. Defensa y Justicia won 1-0 at home to Lanus. They still have a chance to get in the Copa Sudamericana spots as they have a game in hand. Velez won 2-1 to Union, Matiás Vargas converted a penalty in injury time which got Velez the win. Rosario Central’s captain and striker Marco Ruben was sent off early on in the 2nd half against Gimnasia. They were 0-1 down at that point as well. However, Rosario Central managed to turn their 0-1 deficit around despite having 10 men. Washington Camacho and Gérman Herrera with the goals. This was Gimnasia’s first defeat in the Primera División since December 2016!

Sunday, April 23

Estudiantes grabbed a narrow victory over Atletico Nacional midweek meaning they still have a chance to qualify in the Copa Libertadores. They faced a defensive minded Huracan on Sunday and struggled to break them down. Huracan got a point in La Plata as the game finished 1-1. That’s now four draws for Huracan in their last five games. Estudiantes won’t be happy with this result as it means that Newell’s have two points more and Boca have a chance to extend their lead.

However, Boca Juniors failed to do so. They weren’t able to get past Atl. Rafaela’s defence. Rafaela didn’t score either meaning this game finished as a bore draw. River Plate could sneak into 3rd position if they won their game. They were facing Sarmiento Junin at home but just like Boca, River Plate couldn’t get a win. Sebastián Driussi did put River in front just after halftime but Lucas Perez equalised in the 82nd minute. There was no late drama as River were unable to grab a winner.

San Martin got a 2-1 win at home to Belgrano. They sit in 29th position but aren’t in a relegation battle this year. In Argentina, teams get relegated on average points over the last three seasons. That does mean Belgrano need to do better next year or the Cordoba-based club could be playing in the Primera B in two years. The other club in Cordoba, Talleres, are doing a lot better this year. They secured a late win at home to Godoy Cruz. And finally, Independiente got a 2-0 win away from home against probably the worst side this year. Arsenal de Sarandi only have 11 points from 21 games this season. Independiente have a better record away from home this season. Remarkable.

Monday, April 24

Another cracking game took place Paraná as Olimpo got a 4-3 win away vs Patronato and in-form Colon got a narrow victory over Tigre. Despite playing with 10 men for 60 minutes they got the job done.

Standings

Newell’s and Racing were the only top-5 sides who won their games this weekend. Boca Juniors are still on top with 45 points, followed by Newell’s who have 42 points. Estudiantes, Racing, River Plate and Colon all have 39 points. San Lorenzo see themselves in 7th position with 37 points.