Relief in Lanus as Silvio Romero celebrates his match winning brace

The relief in La Paternal was tangible after Lanus had gone two games without a win, lost the lead at the top of the league and were struggling to recreate the free flowing football characteristic of the start of the campiagn. It wasn’t a return to that kind of form but Silvio Romero’s double was enough to give them a 2-1 win over struggling Argentinos Juniors and more importantly, the vital 3 points and move back to the summit, at least until Newell’s play on Monday. Union‘s wretched home form continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Belgrano. It is now 18 home games without a win for the long suffering Union fans and with their relegation average dropping even further they are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with a place booked in the Nacional B for next season. The late kickoff saw two of Buenos Aires’s giants, Racing and Velez slug it out in Avellaneda. However, the game failed to really ignite as the sides cancelled each other out and the result was a goalless draw. Velez clearly looking ahead to their second leg with Newell’s in the Copa Libertadores but the point for Racing puts them in the mix for Copa Sudamericana qualification. MORE AND THE GOALS HERE….

UNION  1 – 1  BELGRANO

After a fairly even opening once again Union found themselves a goal behind as Lucas Aveldaño headed Belgrano in front. Missed chances and good goalkeeping kept the score the same until just after the hour mark. Juan Cavallaro won the ball back for Union and unleashed a venomous strike from 30 yards to put Union level. Neither team had the cutting edge to go on and win the game but there was time for Belgrano’s Victor Aquino to needlessly kick out at Emanuel Britez and find himself taking an early bath.

ARGENTINOS JUNIORS  1 – 2  LANUS

Aware of his sides recent failings, Lanus coach Guillermo Schelotto made some tactical tweaks last night. Reverting from the fluid 433 from early in the season Schelotto changed to a more traditional 442 formation and although not putting in a performance that will have their rivals take notice they managed to win ad haul themselves back to the top, albeit momentarily. Silvio Romero’s deflected close range strike gave Lanus an early lead but they were made to wait until the 72nd minute for their second, a great passing move finished exquisitely by Romero. Lanus were made to sweat a little as Matias Martinez headed in with 10 minutes remaining but they held on for a crucial 3 points.

RACING  0 – 0  VELEZ SARSFIELD

Not a great deal to report from this game which failed to live up to its heavy weight billing. Neither side played with any real intensity and a 0-o draw was probably fitting. Racing did see the return of wonderkid, Ricardo Centurion after his summer move to Russian outfit, Anzhi Makhachkala fell through due to the ankle problem that has kept him out until now.