Duvan Zapata celebrates the games only goal against Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone brought his Atletico Madrid side to Argentina as part of their pre-season tour yesterday afternoon but will have been disappointed to see them defeated by a rejuvenated Estudiantes side in La Plata. Much sought after, Colombian striker, Duvan Zapata scored the only goal of the game, showing once again why he is attracting so much interest from Europe and Juan Sebastian Veron gave a glimpse of why he could be an important figure once again. Elsewhere, Boca Juniors earned a 1 nil win over a San Luis 11, new number 9, Emmanuel Gigliotti powering home a header to give hope ahead of the Torneo Inicial. READ MORE AND SEE THE GOALS HERE…

After a fairly torrid Torneo Final, Estudiantes will be going into this season buoyed by this good pre-season victory over an accomplished, Atletico Madrid side. Highly rated, Colombian power house, Duvan Zapata scored the only goal of the game showing his strength but also his under-valued skill in turning in the box and firing low into the corner. However, the real cause for celebration was the return of club legend, Juan Sebastian Veron. It was his clipped ball into the box which created the goal and in his 70 minutes or so on the pitch he showed his valuable array of passing. Veron explained that the side needed a leader, which prompted his return, and he is absolutely right. He is expected to sign his new deal this week and his place in the midfield could prove invaluable.

The rebuilding of Boca Juniors continued yesterday with a closely fought win over a San Luis 11. The promising signs were that Emanuel Gigliotti showed his prowess in front of goal with a thumping header but by, Carlos Bianchi’s own admission they will need to play a lot better. Daniel Diaz made his debut in defence and will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet and there will be a place in future for new signing, Fernando Gago in the midfield. If Gago can stay injury free, his partnership with Riquelme will be crucial and if Gigliotti carries his goal scoring form over from last season with Colon, Boca will have a far better championship this time round.

Racing suffered a two goal defeat to newly promoted, Gimnasia La Plata despite fielding an almost full strength side.

Other friendly results over the weekend:

Tigre  2 – 2  Deportivo Táchira (Venezuela)
Olimpo  2 – 0  Lanus
Argentinos Juniors  2 – 0  Dock Sud
All Boys  2 – 0  Deportivo Armenio
Quilmes  2 – 0  Los Andes
Godoy Cruz  0 – 1  Huracan
Velez Sarsfield  0 – 0   Independiente

And in Spain, Tata Martino began life as Barcelona Manager with the most comfortable of friendlies, as his side thrashed lowly, Valarenga 7-0.