Estudiantes managed to pick up only a second win of the season on Wednesday evening as Mariano Pavone’s second half header proved enough to see off a spirited Newell’s Old Boys.

It was far from the performance that Leandro Benítez would have wanted from his side but after such a poor run of form, three points were more important at this point. Newell’s arrived in Quilmes off the back of a deserved victory at the weekend and hovering close to relegation were eager to string together positive results.

However, for all of La Lepra’s efforts it was another disappointing evening that left the visitors empty handed.

An even contest hinged on the hour mark when Braian Rivero was shown a second yellow card for a trip on Lucas Rodríguez and minutes later Pavone broke the deadlock, heading in a cross from the right.

Despite being down to ten men, Newell’s finished the game far stronger and should have found an equaliser. Luis Leal forced Mariano Andújar into a save before Joel Amoroso twice went close.

Estudiantes travel to Banfield on Sunday looking to secure back-to-back wins while Newell’s host Argentinos Juniors on Monday eager for form before their huge Copa Argentina clásico.