Despite lifting the Copa Diego Maradona one month ago, Boca Juniors were without a win in six since the start of the year and a disappointing transfer window has done little to invigorate supporters. The death of Carlos Tevez’s father earlier on Sunday meant the Boca captain was unavailable to face Newell’s Old Boys but in his absence Miguel Ángel Russo’s side secured an important three points.

Carlos Izquierdoz headed the game’s only goal twenty minutes from time and it proved enough against a poor Newell’s side that offered very little threat.

Given the level of competition it was hardly a performance from Boca that will impress and the lack of creativity was evident yet the win was all that mattered. Four points from six and a home game against Sarmiento de Junín next, the champions are certainly a long way from panicking yet.

Independiente were also in need of a win and in perhaps even more unimpressive fashion managed to grind out a 1-0 win over Patronato in Paraná.

With Alan Velasco ruled out through injury there was a lack of spark to Independiente and a goalless draw looked increasingly likely as a dull game dragged on. Yet with 71 minutes on the clock Sebastián Palacios got his head up and pulled the ball back to the edge of the box where debutant Juan Insaurralde was on hand to steer the ball past Matías Ibáñez.

New manager Julio César Falcioni badly needed a break and will hope that victory can now provide a foundation for El Rojo to build on.

Earlier in the day, the newly promoted sides began their campaigns in the top flight having missed last weekend and while Platense celebrated victory it was defeat for Sarmiento de Junín.

Sarmiento hosted Vélez Sarsfield and found themselves behind after only 12 minutes thanks to a stunning long range strike from Lucas Janson. Much the better side it took until the hour mark for Vélez to double their lead, Thiago Almada tapping in to finish off a swift counter attack and although Jonathan Torres headed a stoppage time for the Verde it was nothing more than a consolation.

It was better news for Platense as they secured a late win over Argentinos Juniors.

Both sides had chances but it was substitute Jorge Pereyra Díaz who headed the decisive goal five minutes from time in La Paternal. A terrific start for the Calamar and a worrying defeat for Argentinos before their Copa Libertadores campaign.