Argentinos joy as River despair – one result could decide the title and relegation

Argentinos Juniors surprise 2-0 win over River Plate has perhaps handed the title to Newell’s Old Boys (if they win tonight) and lifted them away from, what is now looking like a doomed Independiente.  Defensive lapses from young River centre back, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, cost River dearly but the performance was poor and they are now left with a mountain to climb if they are to win the Torneo Final. Early in the day, Union triumphed in the Sante Fe Clasico beating Colon 1-0 thanks to a Damian Lizio penalty in a game played behind closed doors on the instruction of the local government. Boca Juniors drew 1-1 in La Bombonera against Velez Sarsfield and for both teams this season could not end soon enough. Velez went ahead early from Federico Insua’s free kick but Nicolas Blandi’s header quickly cancelled it out. The best player on the pitch was Boca youngster, Juan Sanchez Miño but he was sent off for an off the ball elbow late on. However, the referee failed to spot an even worse elbow by Velez defender, Fabian Cubero. In Sunday’s other game, Lanus again failed to win as they recorded yet another 0-0 draw, this time at home to Belgrano. After such a promising start to the season, Lanus have completely capitulated and the fans have now turned on manager, Guillermo Schelotto. ALL THE GOALS HERE…..

UNION  1 – 0  COLON

Already relegated and in an empty stadium Union’s fans were unable to witness the derby triumph and a first home win in 19 games. Colon were probably the better side but fell behind to a 52nd minute penalty converted by Damian Lizio and never recovered perhaps aided by the fact they had two players sent off.

LANUS  0 – 0  BELGRANO

A pretty dull game which sees Lanus draw yet another game 0-0. The change in the fortunes of the Lanus side that looked untouchable after 6 games is remarkable and now the fans have started to let their feelings known towards boss, Guillermo Schelotto.

BOCA JUNIORS  1 -1  VELEZ SARSFIELD

Both of these sides have seen their Copa Libertodores campaigns ended at the hands of Newell’s Old Boys and undoubtedly the strain of competing in both has caused a season to forget. Boca were good value for their draw and deservedly drew level after falling behind to Insua’s curling free kick. Nicolas Blandi headed home after 34 minutes but the main talking points were the red card given to Sanchez Miño and the red card not given to Fabian Cubero for off the ball elbows.

ARGENTINOS JUNIORS  2 – 0  RIVER PLATE

This shock result could well have decided the torneo at both ends of the table and next weekend everything could be decided. Argentinos Juniors’ two goal win not only lifted them away from Independiente and the final relegation place but also gifted Newell’s Old Boys the opportunity to go 6 points clear with 3 games to play. Julio Barraza avoided his marker with 10 minutes to go to put Argentinos in front and with minutes remaining an error from Gonzalez Pirez allowed Rodrigo Gomez to make certain. The result means that if Newell’s defeat All Boys and go 6 points clear a win next weekend and River failing to win means they would win the league. At the other end, if Argentinos and Quilmes both win and Independiente lose they will be relegated for the first time in their history. And just to make matters even more interesting, River host Independiente in one of the Buenos Aires clasico’s!