Rosario Central had the chance to close the gap on San Lorenzo at the top of the Primera after the leaders suffered defeat on Saturday and all that stood between them was a clásico against a Newell’s Old Boys side that had not won in seven and scored only once in that time. However, this weekend has proved the old adage that the form book goes out the window when it comes to derbies. Newell’s didn’t completely surprise anyone and still lacked conviction in front of goal but they held firm and managed to prevent Central and the league’s leading scorer, Marco Ruben from finding the net. Both sides had chances and no matter how much the packed crowd inside the Gigante de Arroyito willed their side forward, there was no getting past their rivals. It wasn’t a win but after a run of seven without three points and a horrendous run of four consecutive clásico defeats, it was a welcome draw for Lucas Bernardi and his Newell’s side. The point for Central leaves them now six points off the summit and hopes of lifting the title are now fading but with the Copa Libertadores playoffs scheduled, there is much to play for.
There was no separating the two teams in the Clásico Platense either after Estudiantes came back from a goal down to draw against city rivals, Gimnasia. The home side enjoyed the most of the possession but El Lobo remained a consistent threat and it was little surprise when Maxi Meza rose to thunder home a header from a corner to give them the lead after 21 minutes. Gabi Milito’s side continued to push and despite having a goal chalked off for a foul on Gimnasia goalkeeper, Nicolás Navarro they eventually found an equaliser. Álvaro Pereira’s low cross from the left found it’s way to Leonardo Jara, and the full-back stretched out a boot to poke it beyond Hilario Navarro. It ended all-square and although Estudiantes remain three points ahead of the neighbours, both will still harbour ambitions of stealing a spot in the top six.
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