Argentinos Juniors had the opportunity to end the year three points clear at the top of the Superliga but in keeping with a title race in which no side appears capable to taking complete control, Los Bichos were held to a 1-1 draw by Estudiantes and instead hold only a point lead.
It could have been worse for Argentinos in what was an open game in La Paternal that saw the visitors hit the woodwork on three occasions and almost snatch victory.
Federico Fernández had first hit the post during the opening 45 minutes before a stoppage time penalty converted by Santiago Silva gave Argentinos Juniors the lead at the break.
The home side also rattled the frame of the goal when reported River Plate target Damián Batallini struck the crossbar yet it was Estudiantes who looked the more likely winners late on. Inter Miami-bound Matías Pellegrini stabbed a shot against the foot of the post and Diego García managed to strike the opposite upright with the goal open.
Few would have predicted Argentinos Juniors to be leading the Superliga at this stage and it will be interesting to see of Diego Dabove can prolong the challenge after the summer break.
Argentinos Juniors 1 – 1 Estudiantes
Vélez Sarsfield’s dip in form over the last month had slowed the momentum of their title challenge but a 1-0 win over Patronato saw Gabriel Heinze’s side climb to fourth only two points off the top.
The only goal came midway through the first half when Gabriel Díaz diverted Thiago Almada’s low cross into his own net and despite Patronato also being reduced to ten men, Vélez were unable to extend their lead.
Gabriel Heinze will still harbour ambitions of lifting the title yet with Nicolás Domínguez heading to Bologna, there will be some work to do in the transfer market.
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