Racing Club’s once potential title challenging season is threatening to finish in something of a whimper after Diego Cocca’s fragile defence was once more exposed in Rosario. Central still bouncing from a fine clásico win last weekend put La Academia to the sword with a 4-1 victory in the Gigante de Arroyito to maintain their fine run under Paolo Montero.

Javier Pinola had already rattled the Racing crossbar from distance when Colombian striker Teo Gutiérrez came back to haunt his former club and put Central ahead after 22 minutes.

A delay soon after, caused by Central supporters throwing toy babies in Newell’s shirts onto the pitch to serve as a reminder as to who won last Sunday clásico, provided a brief respite but the home side were on top and Racing’s evening only got worse when Gustavo Bou limped out of action.

#VIVO | Los hinchas de @CARCoficial tiraron “bebés” con la camiseta de Newell’s a la cancha. pic.twitter.com/gkwadRMFjo

— Diario Popular 📰 (@populardiario) May 21, 2017

Lisandro López did muster an equaliser from the penalty spot soon after half time but almost immediately after conceding the spot kick, Esteban Burgos volleyed Central back in front. Washington Camacho headed a third and with minutes remaining a swift counter attack was calmly finished by youngster Maxi Lovera.

Earlier in the Estadio Alfredo Beranger, Colón’s fine ten-match unbeaten run was brought crashing to an end by a rampant Temperley intent on avoiding relegation.

Goals from Abel Peralta, Alexis Zárate and Lucas Mancinelli wrapped up a convincing 3-0 victory for Gustavo Alvarez’s side and despite remaining in the drop zone keeps Olimpo and Arsenal within touching distance.

And finally in the Estadio Centenario, Quilmes were dealt another blow in their survival bid after a second 2-0 defeat to Defensa y Justicia in a week.

Ignacio Rivero volleyed the visitors ahead after Quilmes felt they should have been awarded an earlier penalty and with Sebastián Beccacece’s impressive defence giving very little away it was left to Andrés Ríos to wrap up another victory four minutes from time.

Defensa y Justicia have now won five of their last six matches without conceding a goal while Los Cerveceros have lost thirteen of their last fifteen matches and look in serious danger. Given their form, where the wins that are needed to survive are going to come from is not clear but the games against Atlético de Rafaela and Arsenal are looking huge.

Temperley  3 – 0  Colón

Quilmes  0 – 2  Defensa y Justicia

Rosario Central  4 – 1  Racing Club