Defensa y Justicia aren’t showing any signs yet of their title challenge imploding and while Sebastián Beccacece’s good fortune continues his side keep on winning. A Manuel Guanini own goal was enough for victory over Gimnasia on Saturday and with it sent Defensa y Justicia three points clear at the top ahead of Racing Club’s game on Monday evening.

After three consecutive last-gasp wins it was beginning to look like Lady Luck was shining on El Halcón but a horrible knee injury to Gastón Togni in the opening stages against Gimnasia suggested that perhaps that was changing. However, Togni’s replacement, fellow Independiente loanee Domingo Blanco, soon burst down the right and his low cross was diverted into the net by Guanini.

Unable to find a second, in part down to one incredible stop by Martín Arias, Defensa y Justicia were made to sweat until the final whistle but ultimately claimed the vital three points. While El Halcón’s title hopes grow stronger, Gimnasia edge closer to relegation and on Sunday, Pedro Troglio was out as manager for the third time in his career.

Gimnasia  0 – 1  Defensa y Justicia

Another manager who may sooner than expected be feeling the heat is Jorge Almirón, who watched his San Lorenzo side concede an injury time goal against Newell’s Old Boys to extend a winless run to ten matches and deny the coach a first win at the club.

Nicolás Blandi scrambling an opening goal in first half stoppage time looked like it might be enough for that overdue victory but with seconds remaining a Newell’s counter ended with Maxi Rodríguez exchanging passes with cousin Alexis, and the youngster heading a dramatic equaliser.

Héctor Bidoglio remains unbeaten as Newell’s manager, admittedly with four straight draws, while Jorge Almirón’s wait for a win continues. San Lorenzo may leave to regret allowing the former Lanús manager to bring so many of his former players to the club this summer.

San Lorenzo  1 – 1  Newell’s Old Boys

Independiente were hoping to follow up last week’s win over Unión with victory in San Juan ahead of next week’s clásico but were instead left to rue Pablo Pérez’s stupid sending off and Humberto Osorio’s late goal for San Martín.

Pérez, no stranger to the referee’s notebook, lashed out at Marcos Gelabert to see red shortly before the break but even with the man disadvantage, El Rojo led. Recent signing Cecilio Domínguez clipping in a fine free-kick on the stroke of half time to give Ariel Holan’s side a lead to defend.

It looked as though Martín Campaña would preserve Independiente’s lead but nine minutes from time, Osorio nodded in from close range. The point keeps San Martín out of the relegation zone while Independiente desperately try to find some form before the visit of Racing.

San Martín de San Juan  1 – 1  Independiente

Patronato were unable to make the most of San Martín’s draw as they too were held to a point from Aldosivi’s visit to Paraná.

The home side perhaps shaded proceedings but having lost their recent form in front of goal couldn’t find a way through and with only a draw remain in the drop zone with only six games remaining.

Patronato  0 – 0  Aldosivi