Lanús notched a seventh straight Primera win on Sunday afternoon after seeing off the challenge of Aldosivi in La Fortaleza but more importantly El Granate confirmed their place in the Transición final with top spot in Zone Two. Second half goals from Román Martínez and Jose Sand completed a 2-0 win, a remarkable tenth clean sheet from fourteen games, to wrap up the title and the Primera’s form side of 2016 await either San Lorenzo or Godoy Cruz in the final.
After Estudiantes failed to win on Saturday, a point would have been enough for Lanús and Aldosivi certainly frustrated the home side enough during the first 45 minutes to suggest that was possible. However, just as they have done in nearly every game this season, Lanús found a way to win. Román Martínez thumped the home side in front just after half time and when Gastón Díaz talked his way into a red card shortly after, it became clear that there was no stopping El Granate. Jose Sand chested Nicolás Aguirre’s cross into the net to double the lead and although Jorge Almirón’s side could have added more before the final whistle, they knew that their place in the final was confirmed. Such has been the level of Lanús’ performances all year, it is difficult not to view them as favourites for the Transición title.
Not many people would have tipped Lanús for the title but even few, in fact no one, would have predicted Atlético Tucumán making a push for the Copa Libertadores. El Decano’s 2-1 win over Belgrano closed the gap to second-placed Estudiantes to just a point and the unlikeliest of dreams could yet be a reality. Luis ‘La Pulga’ Rodríguez’s injury time winner handed the home side all three points after Cristian Lema had cancelled out La Pulga’s earlier goal and with winnable games against San Martín and Newell’s remaining, Estudiantes cannot afford to slip.
Earlier in Sarandí, Arsenal took advantage of Rosario Central resting their entire first team ahead of this week’s Copa Libertadores quarter final against Atlético Nacional. Franco Bellocq’s first half penalty proved enough to inflict a fourth defeat in five games on El Canalla, who clearly view the Primera as nothing more than a distraction at this point.
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