As is so often the case with Argentina’s clásicos, the action on the pitch leaves a lot to be desired but for Newell’s it will not matter in the slightest after Maxi Rodríguez struck late in stoppage time to end Rosario Central’s grip over the derby in recent years and maintain La Lepra’s unbeaten start to the season.

The atmosphere in the Gigante de Arroyito was as lively as to be expected but despite plenty of forceful challenges the match failed to ever really ignite.

¡Recibimiento impresionante! Mirá la locura que se vivió en la salida de #Central, antes de disputar el clásico. pic.twitter.com/cuJDF4fmxo

— Rosario Central (@CARCoficial) October 23, 2016

Central were without young playmaker Giovani Lo Celso but even without their most creative outlet were the side that created the clearer chances. The impressive Luciano Pocrnjic ensured that he was again unbeaten as Diego Osella’s side displayed their defensive solidity to stifle their hosts and as the game appeared to be limping to a goalless draw, Maxi Rodríguez struck to further etch his name into Newell’s history.

The former Argentina international managed to receive the ball back from a corner that he had taken on the left and from an acute angle fired through the crowd and inside the far post.

Victory puts Newell’s in second as one of only two sides still unbeaten but this was far more than league positions. Central have enjoyed superiority in this fixture for eight years and so understandably Maxi said that he celebrated the goal more than his famous volley for Argentina against México at the 2006 World Cup.

Rosario Central  0 – 1  Newell’s Old Boys