Angel Correa celebrates his winning goal

San Lorenzo against Boca Juniors is always a big deal in Argentine football but with both teams breathing down the neck of league leaders, Newell’s Old Boys, today’s clasico had an even greater significance. The absence of Fernando Gago and Juan Roman Riquelme for Boca proved costly as San Lorenzo dominated from kickoff. Despite being in the ascendancy it was only Angel Correa’s smart finish early in the second half that separated the sides. In the closing minutes Boca had a wonderful opportunity to steal a draw but Chiqui Perez saw his penalty saved by Sebastian Torrico. San Lorenzo now trail Newell’s by just 2 points and with the two sides meeting next weekend, the title is very much up for grabs. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS….

With Newell’s and Arsenal both dropping points earlier this weekend, the winners of today’s fixture knew that 3 points would firmly put them back in the title race. San Lorenzo have been without the attacking prowess of Martin Cauteruccio and Gonzalo Veron for some weeks but it was Boca’s missing players that had a greater impact on today’s game.

With Fernando Gago and Juan Roman Riquelme both absent through injury, El Ciclon were able to dominate the midfield from kickoff and Boca were never able to take a foot hold and keep possession.

The first half began in bizarre circumstance as San Lorenzo Captain, Pablo Alvarado was shown a yellow card before kickoff for bringing a child onto the pitch without permission, drawing the ire of the locals and Manager, Juan Antonio Pizzi. However, as the game got underway the home side were supremely dominant from the outset.

Bianchi’s 4-4-2 was static and never got hold of the ball and perhaps on another day San Lorenzo’s busy, attacking duo of Hector Villalba and Angel Correa could have really punished them.

Walter Kannemann came closest to breaking the deadlock when his glancing header came back off the inside of the post but the best chance of the first half fell to Leandro Romagnoli. When Cristian Erbes handled the ball in the box, referee, German Delfino had no choice but to award a penalty. However, Romagnoli’s effort lacked any real conviction allowing Boca keeper, Agustin Orion to palm it away.

With such a one-sided half finishing goalless it was difficult not to think that Boca would make the home side pay for such profligacy. However, with the second half just minutes old, San Lorenzo took the lead. Ignacio Piatti’s low cross from the left found Angel Correa, whose fine first touch took him away from Daniel Diaz and created the space to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

A one goal lead is always precarious and it almost proved costly. With 2 minutes remaining, German Delfino pointed to the spot for the second time, after Emanuel Gigliotti was wrestled to the ground. Up stepped, Chiqui Perez but he too saw his penalty saved, as Sebastian Torrico dived to his right to keep it out.

Next weekend’s clash in Rosario against Newell’s Old Boys will no doubt have a major impact on the championship. A win against Newell’s would put San Lorenzo firmly in the driving seat.