The impressive displays of 2017 might seem like a bit of memory right now but Boca Juniors keep on winning and after battling to a 1-0 win over Banfield on Sunday, the reigning champions are nine points clear at the top. El Taladro had the more important matter of a Copa Libertadores playoff to prepare for this week but Julio César Falcioni’s reserve side pushed Boca all the way and only an early Carlos Tevez header separated the sides.
It’s difficult to see anyone catching Boca but San Lorenzo have the best chance and after not playing last weekend, Los Cuervos returned to action with victory over Newell’s. Claudio Biaggio’s side were also made to work but nicked all three points to cling onto the coattails of the league leaders.
Talleres lost ground after a 1-1 draw away to San Martín and so Estudiantes were the only real mover in the Libertadores spots after a 2-0 win over an out of form Unión.
River Plate had to battle from two goals down to salvage a draw against Godoy Cruz, which didn’t exactly halt their alarming slump in league form but did at least provide reason for optimism while Racing Club’s revival is now in full swing after a third straight win. Lanús were the visitors to the Cilindro and after an even opening, the talents of Ricardo Centurión and Lautaro Martínez shone through in a 3-1 victory.
Elsewhere, Olimpo’s relegation drew ever closer as they were thrashed 5-0 by Rosario Central with youngster Andrés Lioi bagging a hat-trick and Vélez managed to come away from Córdoba with a point after snatching an injury time equaliser against Belgrano.
In case you missed any of the action, here are all the games, all the goals and how the table looks after round sixteen…
Estudiantes 2 – 0 Unión
Racing Club 3 – 1 Lanús
Belgrano 2 – 2 Vélez Sarsfield
Argentinos Juniors 2 – 2 Atlético Tucumán
San Lorenzo 1 – 0 Newell’s Old Boys
Temperley 0 – 0 Independiente
Rosario Central 5 – 0 Olimpo
San Martín 1 – 1 Talleres
Arsenal 1 – 1 Huracán
River Plate 2 – 2 Godoy Cruz
Banfield 0 – 1 Boca Juniors
Tigre 1 – 1 Defensa y Justicia
Patronato 3 – 0 Chacarita Juniors
Colón 1 – 0 Gimnasia

Descenso

