Two of the remaining title challengers failing to find the net and playing out a goalless draw is pretty indicative of this season’s Superliga and with Argentinos Juniors and Lanús all but ruled out, Boca Juniors are now the only real threat to River Plate.
17 goals scored in 19 games, half the amount of River despite Marcelo Gallardo’s side yet to play in this round, highlights the difference between Argentinos Juniors and this season’s title favourites and that profligacy in front of goal cost the Bichos again on Friday.
Gabriel Hauche went close either side of half time and a Santiago Silva bicycle kick was a whisker away from breaking the deadlock in the most spectacular fashion but for all of Argentinos’ dominance, Diego Dabove’s side couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
Lanús had a strong penalty shout when a goal bound Nicolás Orsini volley appeared to hit Santiago Silva’s arm but it was at the other end that referee Fernando Rapallini would point to the spot with a little over quarter of an hour remaining. A clumsy Leonel Di Plácido challenge upended Damián Batallini and handed Argentinos Juniors the opportunity to snatch three points. Captain Miguel Torrén stepped up but saw his effort saved by Agustín Rossi and with it the home side allowed victory to slip away.
Ten unbeaten in La Paternal for Argentinos Juniors yet one win in eight league games simply isn’t good enough. The Bichos and Lanús will now have to focus on securing a top four spot and booking a place in the 2021 Copa Libertadores.
Argentinos Juniors 0 – 0 Lanús
Meanwhile at the other end of the table, Central Córdoba took a step toward Superliga safety with victory over relegation rivals Aldosivi.
Jonathan Herrera, strongly linked with a move away from Santiago del Estero during the window, capitalised on a mix-up between Marcos Miers and Luciano Pocrnjic to put Central Córdoba in front and despite plenty of Aldosivi pressure an equaliser never materialised.
Instead a ball over the top just after the hour mark allowed Dany Cure to double the lead and inflict a severe blow to Aldosivi’s survival hopes.
golazo argentino 