A trip to the Estadio Florencio Solá always looked like a potential banana skin for league leaders Estudiantes and with Santiago Ascacibar suspended, Walter Erviti ensured that Banfield took full advantage to end El Pincha’s 21-match unbeaten run.

When young Lucas Rodríguez nodded Nelson Vivas’ side ahead midway through the first half, it looked as though it might be business as usual for Estudiantes but Banfield’s response was swift. Santiago Silva equalised from the penalty spot and forced the fit again Mariano Andújar to pick the ball out of his net for the first time this season.

Operating in the pockets of space that perhaps Ascacibar or Rodrigo Braña would have been operating, Erviti was rampant and it was the veteran midfielder’s cute dummy that allowed the ball to roll into the path of Mauricio Sperduti to tuck away the second. Not content with just being prime creator, Erviti added a third before half time and leave Estudiantes in a very unfamiliar position.

As expected El Pincha threw everything at Banfield after the break pulling a goal back through Lucas Viatri but an equaliser never came. El Taladro held on for an excellent three points and although Estudiantes will remain top, they must now ensure that one defeat doesn’t derail their title hopes.

In the Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario Central selected a largely second string side ahead of their Copa Argentina semi final, and were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation threatened Olimpo. Washington Camacho drilled El Canalla ahead in first half stoppage time but Víctor López’s near post header pulled the visitors level. Eduardo Coudet will certainly feel his side did enough to win the game but has more important matters to prepare for while the point does little to help Olimpo, who remain in the drop zone.

Lastly, Leonardo Madelón made his debut as Belgrano manager and oversaw a hard fought goalless draw away to Atlético Tucumán. El Decano were also under new management with Luciano Precone appointed after the resignation of Juan Manuel Azconzábal but neither coach was able to make a winning start.

Banfield  3 – 2  Estudiantes

Rosario Central  1 – 1  Olimpo

Atlético Tucumán  0 – 0  Belgrano