Saturday in La Primera witnessed two somewhat surprising things: Firstly, Racing are actually challenging for the title and not managing to shot themselves in the foot and secondly, San Lorenzo found some semblance of form by thrashing Belgrano in El Nuevo Gasómetro. Earlier in La Plata, Gimnasia and Banfield ended all square with not a lot happening and then both sides scoring within a minute.

Quilmes  0 – 1  Racing Club

They left it late but Racing Club ensured that they are going to be a major threat to River Plate’s attempt to be crowned bicampeones. Many had thought that Racing would be calling in a favour against Quilmes after they were suspiciously thrashed by Los Cerveceros in the relegation battle which saw Independiente relegated in 2013. However, if this was a planned result, the two sides covered their tracks far better this time.

Quilmes missed the chance to take the lead shortly before half time after being awarded a penalty but Sebastián Martínez saw his effort saved by Sebastián Saja. Racing continually tried to force an opening, knowing that anything less than three points would seriously damage their title hopes and with 3 minutes remaining they found one. The unlikely spearhead of Racing’s charge, Gustavo Bou struck a fierce long range free kick which deviated ever so slightly off the wall and had enough power to beat Walter Benitez.

The result puts Racing level at the top of the table and next weekend’s match against River in Avellaneda looks like it could well decide the title. With River having to face Boca either side of the clash in the Copa Sudamericana Semi Final, La Academia are in a dangerous position.

San Lorenzo  4 – 0  Belgrano

San Lorenzo returned to winning ways although it should be noted that they were given a substantial helping hand after Belgrano goalkeeper, Juan Olave was sent off after just 8 minutes. With Martín Cauteruccio through on goal, Olave stuck out a leg to trip him and there was little option but to show him a red card and point to the spot. Up stepped, Néstor Ortigoza and naturally the cool headed Paraguayan gave El Ciclón the lead.

His central midfield partner, Juan Mercier then slotted in an excellent second from the edge of the box before Pablo Barrientos wrapped up the victory by adding a third on the brink of half time. Emmanuel Más headed a late fourth to complete only San Lorenzo’s second win in seven. With the World Club Championships just weeks away, Edgardo Bauza’s side need to find some form from somewhere.

Gimnasia  1 – 1  Banfield

Finally. Gimnasia and Banfield ended even in La Plata. Facundo Oreja’s stunning strike after cutting in from the right gave Gimnasia the lead 10 minutes after half time but their advantage lasted less than a minute. In Banfield’s first attempt at a response, Nicolás Bertolo latched on to Santiago Salcedo’s knock down and fired the ball past Fernando Monetti.