Independiente players celebrate a great victory over Velez

Velez Sarsfield‘s stuttered start to 2013 continued last night as they lost to relegation threatened Independiente at home. To make matters worse, Independiente played the majority of the game with 10 men after Julian Velazquez was shown a second yellow card in the 21st minute. After a less than convincing win in the opening fixture and then defeat midweek in the Copa Libertadores Velez will be hoping for a change in fortune fast. Meanwhile, Union‘s long winless streak continued as they conceded a last minute goal against Godoy Cruz in Mendoza to lose 2 – 1. In Saturday’s other games, Colon and San Martin drew 1 – 1 and San Lorenzo replicated their first round score with a 0 – 0 draw at home to Belgrano. READ MORE FOR THE REPORTS AND GOALS OF THE GAMES

VELEZ 0 – 1 INDEPENDIENTE

After the midweek disappointment of losing in the Copa Libertadores Velez will have been looking at a home game against Independiente as a comfortable 3 points and a kick start to their campaign but the reds of Avellaneda through up the shock of the weekend. Although Velez dominated the game in terms of possession and chances they were unable to find a way through a determined and resolute Independiente defence. In the 21st minute when Independiente defender Julian Velazquez was sent off for a second booking it seemed there would be only one winner. However, on the stroke of half time and against the run of play a Independiente corner caused panic in the Velez penalty box and Cristian Tula managed to lift the ball over everyone and into the net. Whether it was a cross or a shot matters little now. The second half was predictably played in Independiente’s half with Velez probing but they were unable to find a way through and so Independiente held on for a valuble victory. The result is a bitter disappointment to Velez, who after adding Fernando Gago to their squad would have had high hopes but so far have failed to live up to expectation. For Independiente, this may be too little too late in the effort to avoid relegation but it will please their fans to see such a committed performance.

GODOY CRUZ 2 -1 UNION

Godoy Cruz remained unbeaten this year as a last minute goal stole all 3 points and continued Union’s long winless streak. Things started brightly for Union as they took the lead after just 2 minutes when a through ball was finished neatly by striker Andres Franzoia. It got better for Union when Godoy Cruz defender Emanuel Insua was sent off for a kung fu style kick in his attempts to stop a Union attack. However, despite having 10 men Martin Palermo’s side got themselves level before half time when a quick counter attack was finished by Nicolas Castro. In the second half the numbers were evened up when Union midfielder, Marcelo Sarmiento was sent off and then in the last minute of the game substitute, Rodrigo Salinas headed the winner.

COLON 1 – 1 SAN MARTIN

Goal of the weekend so far was scored in the game between Colon and San Martin as Jorge Luna put San Martin ahead in the 8th minute. Luna won possession and then shot from all of 34 yards to spectacularly give San Martin the lead. However, in the second half Colon forward Emmanuel Gigliotti was tripped in the box and he got up to convert the spot kick. After last weeks mauling at the hands of Lanus, Colon will be happy to be off the mark and San Martin remain unbeaten after back to back draws.

SAN LORENZO 0 – 0 BELGRANO

San Lorenzo kept another clean sheet but again failed to score as, for the second week running they were held to a goalless draw. New signing, Mauro Cetto started in the centtre of defence but San Lorenzo will be hoping that striker, Denis Stracqualursi finds his shooting boots soon. With defence seemingly not the issue at the start of the season perhaps the weeks of chasing Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini could have been spent more productively.