Estudiantes strengthened their position to claim a place in the 2018 Copa Libertadores after earning a 2-0 win from the potentially difficult trip to Mendoza against Godoy Cruz.

Facundo Sánchez’s looping header gave El Pincha the perfect start as the visitors led within a minute and although they needed to ride their luck at times, Sebastián Dubarbier sealed the win in the 85th minute with a powerful finish on the counter.

Ahead of a home game against relegated Quilmes, where a win would guarantee a place in the Libertadores, Estudiantes will be favourites to join Boca Juniors and River Plate in the tournament.

In Victoria, Caruso Lombardi made it two wins from two on his return to Tigre as manager after his side edged past Atlético de Rafaela.

Carlos Luna bundled the only goal of the game past Lucas Hoyos with fifteen minutes remaining to hand El Matador victory.

Another of the already relegated sides, Sarmiento also slumped to defeat with Patronato the beneficiaries in Junín, making certain of their Primera status in the process.

The visitors were gifted the best possible start with Sebastián Bértoli scoring from the penalty spot before Sarmiento found themselves down to ten men when Renzo Spinacci was shown a straight red in the 12th minute.

Francisco Dutari managed to head the home side level despite the numerical disadvantage but second half goals by Damián Arce and Nicolás Bertocchi wrapped up the points.

Sarmiento  1 – 3  Patronato

Tigre  1 – 0  Atlético de Rafaela

Godoy Cruz  0 – 2  Estudiantes