River Plate edged a little closer to a first league title under Marcelo Gallardo as they maintained a three-point lead at the top after victory over Central Córdoba.

It may now be a shootout with rivals Boca Juniors as the Xeneize kept pace with a win in Córdoba over Talleres but the table remains incredibly tight.

Lanús edged up into third as Argentinos Juniors, Vélez and Arsenal all dropped points as Independiente were the weekend’s big winners, putting five past Rosario Central ahead of next weekend’s clásico de Avellaneda.

Newell’s were the only team to boost their survival hopes down at the bottom with all the other relegation candidates failing to pick up three points.

With twelve matches to choose from here are the eleven that impressed from round eighteen.

To catch up with previous Teams of the week….

Week 1 – Week 2 – Week 3 – Week 4 – Week 5 – Week 6 – Week 7 – Week 8 – Week 9 – Week 10 – Week 11 – Week 12 – Week 13 – Week 14 – Week 15 – Week 16 – Week 17

Marcos Díaz  ||  Boca Juniors

A key role in both goals it was Marcos Díaz that launched the counter attacks and the former Huracán number one has firmly answered his critics in the absence of Esteban Andrada.

Leonel Di Plácido  ||  Lanús

Close to leaving for Almería in the window, Leonel Di Plácido served a reminder of his qualities in Lanús’ win over Godoy Cruz. Eager to get forward plus five tackles (100%), three interceptions and three clearances.

Robert Rojas  ||  River Plate

While Paulo Díaz let himself down with an early sending off, Robert Rojas once again excelled at the back for River. 2020 has got off to a brilliant start for the Paraguayan as he takes a starring role in Marcelo Gallardo’s backline.

Alexander Barboza  ||  Independiente

It’s been a slow start to life in Avellaneda but Alexander Barboza scored the first in Independiente’s 5-0 win over Central and ensured a clean sheet with a late clearance.

Juan Sánchez Miño  ||  Independiente

Defensively shaky perhaps Juan Sánchez excels at left-back when given the freedom to get forward. An assist and three key passes, the 30-year-old was excellent against Central.

Marcelino Moreno  ||  Lanús

It was Marcelino Moreno’s splendid strike that broke the deadlock and set Lanús on the path to a deserved win. The 25-year-old’s driving runs from midfield are influential to El Granate’s success this season.

Rodrigo Gómez  ||  Huracán

Huracán continue to struggle but Rodrigo Gómez still impresses and his goal against Gimnasia was another top drawer effort.

Sebastián Villa  ||  Boca Juniors

The quickest player in the Superliga when Sebastián. Villa is in the mood he is difficult to stop. A well taken goal and an assist for Carlos Tevez, the Colombian forward was decisive.

Player of the week
Leandro Fernández  ||  Independiente

A goal and two assists in a 5-0 win is a great way to announce your return. Leandro Fernández looked a little off the pace in the two games prior since coming back from his loan at Vélez but the forward was back to his best on Saturday.

Martín Cauteruccio  ||  Estudiantes

Estudiantes were lacking a penalty box goal threat and may have rectified that with the signing of Martín Cauteruccio. Two poachers’ goals for the Uruguayan earned El Pincha three points against Unión.

Cristian Tarragona  ||  Patronato

Two headed goals in two second half minutes earned Patronato what might still be an invaluable point in the relegation battle.

Goal of the week

a) Ignacio Scocco – RIVER PLATE v Central Córdoba

b) Aníbal Moreno – NEWELL’S v San Lorenzo