It is five draws in eight games for Vélez Sarsfield and while Gabriel Heinze’s side are only three points behind leaders River Plate, the Fortineros will know that their hopes of lifting the Superliga title after Thursday’s draw with Aldosivi are now slim.

River of course could be six points clear on Sunday evening but aside from the form of the leaders, Vélez’s stuttering form is the issue.

Aldosivi after an impressive win over Lanús to start the year and still battling against relegation were always going to be tricky opponents but one that Vélez will have earmarked three points from in Liniers.

The home side should have arguably have had a penalty during the first half when Maxi Romero was bundled over in his efforts to round Luciano Pocrnjic but the young centre forward would give Vélez the lead before the break.

The lack of an instinctive, consistent goal threat has been Vélez’s weakness yet when things click for Heinze’s side their quality is clear. The opening goal a wonderful example – a sweeping passage of play from back to front, patiently prising Aldosivi open and ending with Romero heading in.

The half time break however changed things and a rejuvenated Aldosivi struck back, Lucas Villalba crossing from the left and Federico Gino rising to nod past Lucas Hoyos.

Vélez lost Fernando Gago to a knee injury after the veteran midfielder was fortunate not to see red for an ankle breaking challenge on Pablo Becker and late on did see Luis Abram sent off. The Peruvian defender ensuring Federico Andrada did not go through on goal in stoppage time to preserve the point.

Even a 20-minute debut for Ricardo Centurión could not inspire Vélez and with yet another draw Heinze will likely now have to focus on the secondary prize of Copa Libertadores qualification.