Lanús’ fine run of form had seen them rocket up the Superliga table into title contention but a surprise clásico defeat to struggling Banfield was followed by a Copa Argentina semi-final loss and on Saturday El Granate slipped once more against Defensa y Justicia.
The home side who had been desperately struggling for goals prior to the visit of Lanús carried an immediate threat and Nicolás Fernández in particular caused the visiting defence problems. Agustín Rossi had been the busier goalkeeper but could do nothing to prevent the opening goal just before half time, Rafael Delgado stooping to nod in from close range at a corner.
A brief response after the break following the introduction of Pedro De La Vega gave the impression that there was still life in Lanús. However, that was extinguished on the hour mark when Fernández slalomed through the heart of the Lanús and squared for Alexis Castro to tap in.
Fernández’s performance deserved a goal yet with the goal gaping in stoppage time, the 23-year-old fluffed his lines.
It mattered not and Defensa y Justicia claimed an important first home win of the season as Lanús watch on knowing that they will almost certainly drop down the table.
Defensa y Justicia 2 – 0 Lanús
Atlético Tucumán missed the chance to join Lanús, Boca and Argentinos Juniors on 25 points at the top as Nicolás Blandi came off the bench to snatch San Lorenzo a draw in a typically boisterous Estadio Monumental Presidente José Fierro.
A run of five straight wins saw Atlético in confident mood and an early Leandro Díaz toe poke gave the home side a thoroughly deserved half-time lead.
San Lorenzo though have shown some signs of recovery under interim manager Diego Monarriz and shortly after the break Ángel Romero pulled El Ciclón level. Defensively however San Lorenzo remain fragile and Leonardo Heredia, who had replaced the injured Díaz during the first half, volleyed Atlético back in front.
It looked as though it would be enough until five minutes from time when Nicolás Blandi ghosted into the six-yard box unmarked at a corner to head a late leveller.
Atlético Tucumán 2 – 2 San Lorenzo
Huracán also left it late against Central Córdoba at the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó as Nicolás Cordero salvaged a point in the 82nd minute.
Marcos Sánchez bundled the visitors in front with under 20 minutes to go, three points on the road being invaluable to Central Córdoba as they hover above the relegation zone.
But it wasn’t to be as Lucas Barrios worked the ball into the path of Cordero and the 20-year-old calmly slotted past Diego Rodríguez to equalise.
One win in seven now for El Globo and what may yet be a decent point for Central Córdoba.
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