Estudiantes 2-0 Gimnasia La Plata
Quilmes 0-1 Arsenal
Newell's Old Boys 2-0 Velez Sarsfield
All Boys 3-3 Tigre
Godoy Cruz 4-1 Independiente
Gimnasia La Plata 2-4 Argentinos Juniors
Racing Club 3-0 Huracán
Olimpo 2-3 Colón
San Lorenzo 0-1 Estudiantes
Boca Juniors 1-2 Lanús
Banfield 2-2 River Plate
Two games this week for the top and bottom sides as Estudiantes took on Gimnasia in a game held over from round four when the former were involved in the Recopa Sudamericana. A win here and in their round nine clash with San Lorenzo sends them top and by a relatively massive five points as we approach half way in this Apertura season. Defeat to their neighbours was followed by a home loss to Argentinos for Gimnasia and they prop the rest up. In that round four clash, Estudiantes were ahead ten minutes from time when a chipped ball forward found Federico Fernandez's head - it was all too easy. Juan Veron won a penalty on the stroke of half-time and picked himself up to take it. He doesn't miss from there. They only needed the one goal to beat San Lorenzo, Gaston Fernandez this time bringing the ball down in the box and in a world of space, taking it round the keeper and tapping in. After the midweek defeat, Gimnasia went ahead against the champions through Jorge Córdoba who scuffed his shot at the near post but it crept in. The defensive frailties reared their heads immediately afterwards though, the defence totally failing to react to a hopeful ball in and Gonzalo Vargas nicked in to equalise. Seven minutes later, the rearguard was AWOL again as Juan Mercier put Argentinos ahead and it was three on the half hour as Emilio Hernandez spotted the keeper out of position at a 40-yard free-kick and found the top corner with a stunning strike. Cordóba got his and his side's second, latching onto a great through ball and finishing neatly across the keeper, but the final word went to the champions, Franco Niell sliding a fourth in. Gimnasia are awful.
Vélez drop to second after losing to Newell's who move within a point. The goals came three minutes before and three after half-time. Mauricio Sperdutti got the first, sliding a finish across the face of goal, Rolando Schiavi with the second from the penalty spot. Arsenal are back up to third with a win over lowly Quilmes, Pablo Aguilar with a late winner, headed in from a corner. Godoy Cruz are doing nicely, up to fifth after inflicting yet more misery on Independiente. They had to come from behind though, Nestor Silvera heading in from a pinpoint cross. It couldn't and didn't last. Jairo Castillo was played in, spun on a dime and finished at the near post in the twentieth minute and by half time it was three. Rodrigo Salinas volleyed the second and Carlos Sanchéz ran strongly up the middle before finishing from 20 yards with a low drive. A minute after half time, Jorge Curbelo headed in from a corner for 4-1 and, as if Independiente's day couldn't get any worse, Leonel Galeano got himself sent off late on.
Tigre were ahead three time and pegged back three times away to All Boys. Esteban Gonzalez headed in the opener from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, but Sebastian Grazzini levelled ten minutes later, taking advantage as the keeper went walkabout. Gonzalez restored the lead on the hour, turning the ball in at the back post after the initial shot hit the post, but just six minutes had gone by when Grazzini equalised again, his 18-yard shot deflected on it's way to goal. A strong run from Denis Stracqualursi finished with him poking it over the advancing keeper for 3-2, but it was all square once and for all six minutes later, and six minutes from time, Mauro Matos getting highest to head in a cross. Racing saw off Huracán easily enough, Gabriel Hauche giving them an early lead with a close range shot the keeper should have done better with. Jose Fernandez headed in for 2-0 midway through the first half and Giovanni Moreno wrapped it up late on with a well worked third. Olimpo were beaten again, but at least put up something of a fight. Shame it took until Colón were three up for that to happen. Federico Higuain got two, the first a lovely chipped finish from the edge of the box, his second - Colón's third - poached as the Olimpo spilled a free-kick at his feet. The second was also a poached effort, Ivano Moreno following in a saved penalty. Juan Tejera headed one back on the hour and Diego Galvan cracked a second in, beating the keeper at the near post, in the first minute of stoppage time, but Colón closed it out.
River Plate drew and Boca should have done too, but blew it against Lanús. Sebastian Blanco had Lanús ahead in the eighth minute with a piledriver from an angle, but Juan Insaurralde levelled it from close range as Lanús failed to deal with a corner and 1-1 it looked like remaining, until deep into stoppage time when Clemente Rodriguez gave away a penalty, was sent off and Agustin Pelleteri converted from 12 yards. Adalberto Roman rescued a point for River as they came from behind twice to draw with Banfield. Ruben Ramirez had Banfield ahead in the fifth minute, some shocking defending allowing him in to nod it home from five yards. Juan Carizzo kept River in it with a superb penalty save on the half hour, but Ariel Ortega doesn't miss many spot kicks and he had River level on the hour. Banfield were back ahead five minutes later, Victor Lopez headed in from a corner to restore the lead. River poured forward seeking an equaliser and got it four minutes from time, Roman rising highest to head in a deep cross, the point helping them out of the bottom three on the Promedio table.
Next week, Estudiantes should extend their winning run at home to Olimpo and Newell's ought to beat Quilmes. Arsenal and Vélez both have tough games, at home to Banfield and Colón respectively. River take on bottom placed Gimnasia while Boca are away to Tigre.
Estudiantes v Olimpo
Arsenal v Banfield
Huracán v All Boys
Lanús v San Lorenzo
Argentinos Juniors v Godoy Cruz
Newell's Old Boys v Quilmes
Independiente v Racing Club
Vélez Sarsfield v Colón
Tigre v Boca Juniors
River Plate v Gimnasia La Plata
Showing posts with label Apertura. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apertura. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
More trouble for River
Vélez Sarsfield 3-0 Olimpo
Independiente 1-0 Gimnasia La Plata
Argentinos Juniors 1-0 Banfield
Estudiantes 1-0 Boca Juniors
Lanús 1-0 All Boys
Colón 2-0 San Lorenzo
Arsenal 0-0 Newell's Old Boys
Huracán 1-1 Godoy Cruz
Tigre 0-0 Racing Club
River Plate 1-1 Quilmes
We've pointed out before that River Plate are in trouble. The only way they can be sure of staving off relegation this year is to go and win the thing. They sit fifth on the league ladder despite losing last week and only managing a draw at home to lowly Quilmes this time round, but they're inside the bottom three on the Promedio and that's what counts more at the moment. It didn't have to be this way after the Quilmes game as River were going OK after Mariano Pavone put them in front with a volley from a corner three minutes into the second half. All looked rosy for a 1-0 win, but a free-kick two minutes into stoppage time saw Miguel Caneo get his head on it to deny them all three points. That's Quilmes's third straight draw.
There weren't too many goals around this week, two games finishing without any as Tigre and Racing saw their mid-table clash end 0-0 as did the top of the table battle between Arsenal and Newell's. Three matches saw just one goal put away, most notably for Independiente who sacked Daniel Garnero ahead of their clash with Gimnasia. That's not a bad fixture to go into without a gaffer as Gimnasia are rubbish and Leonel Galeano made sure with a cool finish midway through the first half as the Gimnasia defence allowed him too much space in the box. Champions Argentinos got their first win of the campaign over their predecessors Banfield, Gonzalo Vargas with a 77th minute winner after great work down the left flank. A first-minute strike from Marcos Rojo was enough for Estudiantes to beat Boca who remain resolutely in mid-table. It was a stunning left-footed volley that gave the keeper no chance as it arrowed into the far top corner - a goal worthy of winning any game. Estudiantes had much the better of the rest of the game, but the one goal proved enough. In mid-table, one goal for Lanús saw them beat All Boys. It came in the last minute of the first half as a header from a corner came down off teh bar and was eventually bundled in by Santiago Hoyos.
Two sent off for Olimpo meant they were always up against in their game with Vélez who were already 2-0 up when the first red card came out. Juan Martinez walked through the defence and slotted in for the opener after 22 minutes and only five more had elapsed when Maxi Moralez did likewise down the opposite channel. Cristian Vilanueva was first to go when he picked up his second booking on 57 minutes and Eduardo Casais followed five minutes later. That just left Vélez to wrap it up with a third, Sebastian Dominguez with the freedom of the penalty area to tap in from close range. Two off at Huracán as well, one from each side, as their game with Godoy Cruz ended level. David Ramirez copped a straight red after quarter of an hour, but Godoy Cruz were ahead just before the break as Jairo Castillo initially saw his penalty saved, but he followed in to tap home the rebound. They went into the break level though, the Godoy keeper dropping a routine cross at Gaston Machin's feet and he couldn't believe his luck. Machin turned villain late on as he became the second to be dismissed, picking up a second caution with eight minutes to go. Finally, San Lorenzo drop away from the leaders after a surprise defeat to Colón for whom Damian Diaz got the opener late in the first half, sweeping up after the initial shot was saved. Joaquin Larrivey sealed it in second half stoppage time, a poor defensive header letting him in to tuck it through the keeper's legs and in.
This week, Estudiantes get the chance to go top as they play their delayed round four clash with Gimnasia before the weekend sees us reach the halfway stage as round 9 gets underway. Estudiantes face San Lorenzo on Sunday in a big game - it'll either first or second against third. Vélez, leaders for now, are away at Newell's while River Plate go to reigning Apertura champions Banfield. After breaking their duck at the weekend, Argentinos look good to double up against Gimnasia, but there's only more misery in store for Quilmes as Arsenal pay a visit.
Round 4, Wednesday:
Estudiantes v Gimnasia La Plata
Round 9:
Quilmes v Arsenal
Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys v Tigre
Godoy Cruz v Independiente
Gimnasia La Plata v Argentinos Juniors
Racing Club v Huracán
Olimpo v Colón
San Lorenzo v Estudiantes
Boca Juniors v Lanús
Banfield v River Plate
Independiente 1-0 Gimnasia La Plata
Argentinos Juniors 1-0 Banfield
Estudiantes 1-0 Boca Juniors
Lanús 1-0 All Boys
Colón 2-0 San Lorenzo
Arsenal 0-0 Newell's Old Boys
Huracán 1-1 Godoy Cruz
Tigre 0-0 Racing Club
River Plate 1-1 Quilmes
We've pointed out before that River Plate are in trouble. The only way they can be sure of staving off relegation this year is to go and win the thing. They sit fifth on the league ladder despite losing last week and only managing a draw at home to lowly Quilmes this time round, but they're inside the bottom three on the Promedio and that's what counts more at the moment. It didn't have to be this way after the Quilmes game as River were going OK after Mariano Pavone put them in front with a volley from a corner three minutes into the second half. All looked rosy for a 1-0 win, but a free-kick two minutes into stoppage time saw Miguel Caneo get his head on it to deny them all three points. That's Quilmes's third straight draw.
There weren't too many goals around this week, two games finishing without any as Tigre and Racing saw their mid-table clash end 0-0 as did the top of the table battle between Arsenal and Newell's. Three matches saw just one goal put away, most notably for Independiente who sacked Daniel Garnero ahead of their clash with Gimnasia. That's not a bad fixture to go into without a gaffer as Gimnasia are rubbish and Leonel Galeano made sure with a cool finish midway through the first half as the Gimnasia defence allowed him too much space in the box. Champions Argentinos got their first win of the campaign over their predecessors Banfield, Gonzalo Vargas with a 77th minute winner after great work down the left flank. A first-minute strike from Marcos Rojo was enough for Estudiantes to beat Boca who remain resolutely in mid-table. It was a stunning left-footed volley that gave the keeper no chance as it arrowed into the far top corner - a goal worthy of winning any game. Estudiantes had much the better of the rest of the game, but the one goal proved enough. In mid-table, one goal for Lanús saw them beat All Boys. It came in the last minute of the first half as a header from a corner came down off teh bar and was eventually bundled in by Santiago Hoyos.
Two sent off for Olimpo meant they were always up against in their game with Vélez who were already 2-0 up when the first red card came out. Juan Martinez walked through the defence and slotted in for the opener after 22 minutes and only five more had elapsed when Maxi Moralez did likewise down the opposite channel. Cristian Vilanueva was first to go when he picked up his second booking on 57 minutes and Eduardo Casais followed five minutes later. That just left Vélez to wrap it up with a third, Sebastian Dominguez with the freedom of the penalty area to tap in from close range. Two off at Huracán as well, one from each side, as their game with Godoy Cruz ended level. David Ramirez copped a straight red after quarter of an hour, but Godoy Cruz were ahead just before the break as Jairo Castillo initially saw his penalty saved, but he followed in to tap home the rebound. They went into the break level though, the Godoy keeper dropping a routine cross at Gaston Machin's feet and he couldn't believe his luck. Machin turned villain late on as he became the second to be dismissed, picking up a second caution with eight minutes to go. Finally, San Lorenzo drop away from the leaders after a surprise defeat to Colón for whom Damian Diaz got the opener late in the first half, sweeping up after the initial shot was saved. Joaquin Larrivey sealed it in second half stoppage time, a poor defensive header letting him in to tuck it through the keeper's legs and in.
This week, Estudiantes get the chance to go top as they play their delayed round four clash with Gimnasia before the weekend sees us reach the halfway stage as round 9 gets underway. Estudiantes face San Lorenzo on Sunday in a big game - it'll either first or second against third. Vélez, leaders for now, are away at Newell's while River Plate go to reigning Apertura champions Banfield. After breaking their duck at the weekend, Argentinos look good to double up against Gimnasia, but there's only more misery in store for Quilmes as Arsenal pay a visit.
Round 4, Wednesday:
Estudiantes v Gimnasia La Plata
Round 9:
Quilmes v Arsenal
Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys v Tigre
Godoy Cruz v Independiente
Gimnasia La Plata v Argentinos Juniors
Racing Club v Huracán
Olimpo v Colón
San Lorenzo v Estudiantes
Boca Juniors v Lanús
Banfield v River Plate
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Games in hand or points on the board?
Gimnasia La Plata 3-0 Huracán
Racing Club 4-0 Lanús
San Lorenzo 3-1 Olimpo
Godoy Cruz 1-2 Tigre
Quilmes 2-2 Argentinos Juniors
Arsenal 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys 2-1 Estudiantes
Newell's Old Boys 1-0 River Plate
Banfield 4-0 Independiente
Boca Juniors 3-1 Colón
It's the perennial question: is it better to have points on the board or games in hand? It's also a particularly pertinent one for Estudiantes and their fans. It all looked to be falling into their hands with results elsewhere. Last weekend, however, they were undone by All Boys who have got to grips with top-flight football quickly. Eduardo Dominguez turned in a headed cross under little pressure to put All Boys ahead midway through the first half, but normal service appeared to have been restored on the stroke of half time with Rodrigo Brana's header. Not so, as Sebastian Grazzini broke the offside trap and chipped delightfully over the keeper four minutes after the break. Estudiantes couldn't find another way through and they slip to fourth, two points off the league lead. They still have that game in hand though.
San Lorenzo are the new leaders by one point after coming from behind to see off Olimpo. Quarter of an hour had gone when Los Santos' keeper Damian Albil couldn't hold a long-range free-kick and David Vega was on hand to poke it in. Cristian Tula equalised on the half hour in similar circumstances and it was another free-kick which helped San Lorenzo go ahead, Jonathan Bottinello with the header. Olimpo had Marcelo Mosset sent off shortly after that which all but ended the game and it was wrapped up ten minutes from time as San Lorenzo broke from deep and Diego Rivero was on hand to finish a sweeping move. They overtake Vélez who were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal while Banfield are up to fourth after thumping an increasingly rubbish Independiente. The last Apertura champions were in front in the third minute through Ruben Ramirez, profiting from some awful marking at a free-kick. Sebastian Romero doubled the lead on twenty minutes, reacting quickest to a shot which came back to him off the bar and Ramirez got his second five minutes after the break, this time the ball falling to him via the post. Gabriel Valles was sent off two minutes later, scuppering any chance of an Independiente comeback and the win was duly completed late in the game by Emilio Zelaya who, frankly, took the mick out of the defence. Independiente are bottom.
Argentinos Juniors sit above them on goal difference after getting just their third point of the campaign in a 2-2 draw with Quilmes. After a goalless first half, Juan Sabia put Argentinos ahead three minutes into the second as a corner trickled along the six-yard line and he despatched it comfortably. Charles Aranguiz was sent off for Quilmes shortly before they got level, Diego Torres with a free header as he found himself all on his own in the penalty area. Another sending off preluded the second goal, Santiago Hirsig getting his second caution moments before a pinpoint cross found the diving Juan Morales who headed home. The nine men looked to be holding on for the win, but deep into stoppage time, Nicolas Berardo found the back of the net as the numbers game worked in Argentinos's favour from a corner. Lanús also finished with nine players, but didn't fare quite so well. They were already behind to a Matias Martinez header before Agustin Pelletieri was the first to be dismissed in first half stoppages. Giovanni Moreno had put Racing two up from the penalty spot before Maxi Lugo was the second to be sent off and the floodgates opened. Matias Cahias poached one from close range and Gabriel Hauche pinched one off Moreno's toes in the last minute after the Colombian had danced through a very tired defence.
Just one sending off at the Bombonera where a Martín Palermo hat-trick helped Boca come from behind to beat Colón. Ivan Moreno y Fabianesi helped himself after an awful defensive mix-up late in the first half, but Palermo's dinked finish in first half stoppage time sent the sides in level. The veteran's second came moments after the restart as Colón failed to pick him up at a free-kick and the game was up for the visitors when Juan Quiroga picked up a second yellow card midway through the second half. A third had to come as Colón were penned in their penalty area for pretty much all the remainder and Palermo was on hand to eventually put the game to bed as the ball pinged around the box. Not so good news for their rivals River Plate who lost to Newell's in Rosario by a single goal, Ivan Borghello getting between two defenders to head home in the tenth minute.
Gimnasia pull away from the bottom with a much-needed win over fading Huracán. They were ahead on the half hour, Alvaro Navarro opening his body out to create the space for a curling shot into the opposite top corner. Hernan Encina got a late brace to seal it, the first a delicate lob with the outside of the boot, the second a tap-in at the back post. Tigre came from behind to beat Godoy Cruz who were ahead on the quarter hour through David Ramirez whose attempted through ball came back to him off a defender and he smashed it in from 20 yards. It remained 1-0 to half-time, but Tigre were level within a minute of the restart, Denis Stracqualarsi latching onto a long through ball that the defence couldn't cope with. Quarter of an hour from the end, Claudio Perez won it with a routine header from a corner that the keeper came for and got absolutely nowhere near.
Next week, Estudiantes have a visit from Boca as they look to brush off that defeat. San Lorenzo are at home to Colón while the last two champions - faring rather differently to each other - face off as Banfield travel to face Argentinos. River complete the round with a home game against lowly Quilmes.
Vélez Sarsfield v Olimpo
Independiente v Gimnasia La Plata
Argentinos Juniors v Banfield
Estudiantes v Boca Juniors
Lanús v All Boys
Colón v San Lorenzo
Arsenal v Newell's Old Boys
Huracán v Godoy Cruz
Tigre v Racing Club
River Plate v Quilmes
Racing Club 4-0 Lanús
San Lorenzo 3-1 Olimpo
Godoy Cruz 1-2 Tigre
Quilmes 2-2 Argentinos Juniors
Arsenal 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys 2-1 Estudiantes
Newell's Old Boys 1-0 River Plate
Banfield 4-0 Independiente
Boca Juniors 3-1 Colón
It's the perennial question: is it better to have points on the board or games in hand? It's also a particularly pertinent one for Estudiantes and their fans. It all looked to be falling into their hands with results elsewhere. Last weekend, however, they were undone by All Boys who have got to grips with top-flight football quickly. Eduardo Dominguez turned in a headed cross under little pressure to put All Boys ahead midway through the first half, but normal service appeared to have been restored on the stroke of half time with Rodrigo Brana's header. Not so, as Sebastian Grazzini broke the offside trap and chipped delightfully over the keeper four minutes after the break. Estudiantes couldn't find another way through and they slip to fourth, two points off the league lead. They still have that game in hand though.
San Lorenzo are the new leaders by one point after coming from behind to see off Olimpo. Quarter of an hour had gone when Los Santos' keeper Damian Albil couldn't hold a long-range free-kick and David Vega was on hand to poke it in. Cristian Tula equalised on the half hour in similar circumstances and it was another free-kick which helped San Lorenzo go ahead, Jonathan Bottinello with the header. Olimpo had Marcelo Mosset sent off shortly after that which all but ended the game and it was wrapped up ten minutes from time as San Lorenzo broke from deep and Diego Rivero was on hand to finish a sweeping move. They overtake Vélez who were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal while Banfield are up to fourth after thumping an increasingly rubbish Independiente. The last Apertura champions were in front in the third minute through Ruben Ramirez, profiting from some awful marking at a free-kick. Sebastian Romero doubled the lead on twenty minutes, reacting quickest to a shot which came back to him off the bar and Ramirez got his second five minutes after the break, this time the ball falling to him via the post. Gabriel Valles was sent off two minutes later, scuppering any chance of an Independiente comeback and the win was duly completed late in the game by Emilio Zelaya who, frankly, took the mick out of the defence. Independiente are bottom.
Argentinos Juniors sit above them on goal difference after getting just their third point of the campaign in a 2-2 draw with Quilmes. After a goalless first half, Juan Sabia put Argentinos ahead three minutes into the second as a corner trickled along the six-yard line and he despatched it comfortably. Charles Aranguiz was sent off for Quilmes shortly before they got level, Diego Torres with a free header as he found himself all on his own in the penalty area. Another sending off preluded the second goal, Santiago Hirsig getting his second caution moments before a pinpoint cross found the diving Juan Morales who headed home. The nine men looked to be holding on for the win, but deep into stoppage time, Nicolas Berardo found the back of the net as the numbers game worked in Argentinos's favour from a corner. Lanús also finished with nine players, but didn't fare quite so well. They were already behind to a Matias Martinez header before Agustin Pelletieri was the first to be dismissed in first half stoppages. Giovanni Moreno had put Racing two up from the penalty spot before Maxi Lugo was the second to be sent off and the floodgates opened. Matias Cahias poached one from close range and Gabriel Hauche pinched one off Moreno's toes in the last minute after the Colombian had danced through a very tired defence.
Just one sending off at the Bombonera where a Martín Palermo hat-trick helped Boca come from behind to beat Colón. Ivan Moreno y Fabianesi helped himself after an awful defensive mix-up late in the first half, but Palermo's dinked finish in first half stoppage time sent the sides in level. The veteran's second came moments after the restart as Colón failed to pick him up at a free-kick and the game was up for the visitors when Juan Quiroga picked up a second yellow card midway through the second half. A third had to come as Colón were penned in their penalty area for pretty much all the remainder and Palermo was on hand to eventually put the game to bed as the ball pinged around the box. Not so good news for their rivals River Plate who lost to Newell's in Rosario by a single goal, Ivan Borghello getting between two defenders to head home in the tenth minute.
Gimnasia pull away from the bottom with a much-needed win over fading Huracán. They were ahead on the half hour, Alvaro Navarro opening his body out to create the space for a curling shot into the opposite top corner. Hernan Encina got a late brace to seal it, the first a delicate lob with the outside of the boot, the second a tap-in at the back post. Tigre came from behind to beat Godoy Cruz who were ahead on the quarter hour through David Ramirez whose attempted through ball came back to him off a defender and he smashed it in from 20 yards. It remained 1-0 to half-time, but Tigre were level within a minute of the restart, Denis Stracqualarsi latching onto a long through ball that the defence couldn't cope with. Quarter of an hour from the end, Claudio Perez won it with a routine header from a corner that the keeper came for and got absolutely nowhere near.
Next week, Estudiantes have a visit from Boca as they look to brush off that defeat. San Lorenzo are at home to Colón while the last two champions - faring rather differently to each other - face off as Banfield travel to face Argentinos. River complete the round with a home game against lowly Quilmes.
Vélez Sarsfield v Olimpo
Independiente v Gimnasia La Plata
Argentinos Juniors v Banfield
Estudiantes v Boca Juniors
Lanús v All Boys
Colón v San Lorenzo
Arsenal v Newell's Old Boys
Huracán v Godoy Cruz
Tigre v Racing Club
River Plate v Quilmes
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Arsenal slip lets Estudiantes take charge
Tigre 2-0 Gimnasia La Plata
Colón 1-1 All Boys
Huracán 2-2 Banfield
San Lorenzo 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Lanús 1-4 Godoy Cruz
Estudiantes 2-0 Racing Club
Argentinos Juniors 1-2 Newell's Old Boys
River Plate 1-0 Arsenal
Independiente 0-0 Quilmes
Olimpo 1-3 Boca Juniors
Leaders Arsenal were knocked off the top of the league last weekend as they suffered just their second defeat of the season. They lost at the Monumental where River Plate picked up a vital three points in their bid to stave off relegation (we've included the Promedio table as well, so you can appreciate the bother they're in). They left it late, Rogelio Funes with a thumping header from a corner with quarter of an hour to go. Both sides ended a man down, Roberto Pereyra and Pablo Aguilar sent off in the last minute after a set-to.
That loss sees Arsenal slip to fifth - that's how close it is. Estudiantes take over at the top, still with that game in hand as well, after a regulation victory over Racing. After a goalless first half, Enzo Perez got the opener seconds into the second period as Racing started slowly. The second came ten minutes later, Gabriel Mercado with a thunderbolt from 20 yards as Racing were overwhelmed. The cue went in the rack and they closed out a comfortable win. Vélez were held to a goalless draw away at San Lorenzo but that point sees them both move up, Vélez to third and San Lorenzo to fourth either side of River Plate.
At the other end, Quilmes picked up a point from a 0-0 draw with Independiente which lifts them off the foot of the table. Gimnasia slip to 20th after losing to Tigre and finishing with ten men. They were already two behind when Pablo Fontanello picked up a second booking, Diego Castana with the first on the half hour, a thunderous drive from all of 30 yards. Fernando Telechea doubled the advantage after the break and that was that. Another defeat for champions Argentinos sees them slip to 19th. They led in the 63rd minute, a strong run down the right and a decent cross setting up Gonzalo Vargas, but it didn't last. Comedy defending allowed Gabriel Cichero to equalise for Newell's quarter of an hour later and more of the same allowed Luis Rodriguez to ghost into the box unnoticed to head the winner nine minutes from time. Santiago Gentiletti was sent off in stoppage time, completing the misery for the champs.
Boca got a vital win, beating Olimpo with something in reserve. Lucas Viatri rattled in the opener, his fourth of the season, on the quarter hour, but Olimpo were level when Juan Cobo stole in to nick one at the near post a minute later. Martin Palermo restored the lead on the hour, making the most of a defensive blunder, and Juan Insuarralde had a free header from close range to win it. There were draws between Colón and All Boys - one each, an early penalty for All Boys after some outstanding lunatic goalkeeping responded to by Esteban Fuertes's second half header - and between Huracán and Banfield. Rolando Zarate got both Huracán goals, but twice they were pegged back within five minutes of taking the lead. The big winners of the week were Godoy Cruz who beat Lanús 4-1, three coming in the last half hour to seal it.
Next week, Arsenal take on Vélez Sarsfield in a top-of-the-table clash, but it's all falling into place for Estudiantes. They go to All Boys at the weekend while River Plate are in Rosario to face Newell's. The big game at the bottom is between Argentinos and Quilmes.
Gimnasia La Plata v Huracán
Racing Club v Lanús
San Lorenzo v Olimpo
Boca Juniors v Colón
Godoy Cruz v Tigre
Quilmes v Argentinos Juniors
Arsenal v Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys v Estudiantes
Newell's Old Boys v River Plate
Banfield v Independiente
Colón 1-1 All Boys
Huracán 2-2 Banfield
San Lorenzo 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Lanús 1-4 Godoy Cruz
Estudiantes 2-0 Racing Club
Argentinos Juniors 1-2 Newell's Old Boys
River Plate 1-0 Arsenal
Independiente 0-0 Quilmes
Olimpo 1-3 Boca Juniors
Leaders Arsenal were knocked off the top of the league last weekend as they suffered just their second defeat of the season. They lost at the Monumental where River Plate picked up a vital three points in their bid to stave off relegation (we've included the Promedio table as well, so you can appreciate the bother they're in). They left it late, Rogelio Funes with a thumping header from a corner with quarter of an hour to go. Both sides ended a man down, Roberto Pereyra and Pablo Aguilar sent off in the last minute after a set-to.
That loss sees Arsenal slip to fifth - that's how close it is. Estudiantes take over at the top, still with that game in hand as well, after a regulation victory over Racing. After a goalless first half, Enzo Perez got the opener seconds into the second period as Racing started slowly. The second came ten minutes later, Gabriel Mercado with a thunderbolt from 20 yards as Racing were overwhelmed. The cue went in the rack and they closed out a comfortable win. Vélez were held to a goalless draw away at San Lorenzo but that point sees them both move up, Vélez to third and San Lorenzo to fourth either side of River Plate.
At the other end, Quilmes picked up a point from a 0-0 draw with Independiente which lifts them off the foot of the table. Gimnasia slip to 20th after losing to Tigre and finishing with ten men. They were already two behind when Pablo Fontanello picked up a second booking, Diego Castana with the first on the half hour, a thunderous drive from all of 30 yards. Fernando Telechea doubled the advantage after the break and that was that. Another defeat for champions Argentinos sees them slip to 19th. They led in the 63rd minute, a strong run down the right and a decent cross setting up Gonzalo Vargas, but it didn't last. Comedy defending allowed Gabriel Cichero to equalise for Newell's quarter of an hour later and more of the same allowed Luis Rodriguez to ghost into the box unnoticed to head the winner nine minutes from time. Santiago Gentiletti was sent off in stoppage time, completing the misery for the champs.
Boca got a vital win, beating Olimpo with something in reserve. Lucas Viatri rattled in the opener, his fourth of the season, on the quarter hour, but Olimpo were level when Juan Cobo stole in to nick one at the near post a minute later. Martin Palermo restored the lead on the hour, making the most of a defensive blunder, and Juan Insuarralde had a free header from close range to win it. There were draws between Colón and All Boys - one each, an early penalty for All Boys after some outstanding lunatic goalkeeping responded to by Esteban Fuertes's second half header - and between Huracán and Banfield. Rolando Zarate got both Huracán goals, but twice they were pegged back within five minutes of taking the lead. The big winners of the week were Godoy Cruz who beat Lanús 4-1, three coming in the last half hour to seal it.
Next week, Arsenal take on Vélez Sarsfield in a top-of-the-table clash, but it's all falling into place for Estudiantes. They go to All Boys at the weekend while River Plate are in Rosario to face Newell's. The big game at the bottom is between Argentinos and Quilmes.
Gimnasia La Plata v Huracán
Racing Club v Lanús
San Lorenzo v Olimpo
Boca Juniors v Colón
Godoy Cruz v Tigre
Quilmes v Argentinos Juniors
Arsenal v Vélez Sarsfield
All Boys v Estudiantes
Newell's Old Boys v River Plate
Banfield v Independiente
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Arsenal aiming high
Godoy Cruz 1-2 Estudiantes
Racing Club 1-2 Colón
All Boys 1-0 Olimpo
Boca Juniors 1-2 San Lorenzo
Arsenal 1-0 Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys 1-1 Independiente
Quilmes 1-2 Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata 0-2 Lanús
Banfield 1-1 Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 River Plate
Arsenal de Sarandi have emerged as front-runners after previous leaders River Plate went down to their first loss of the season. They beat champions - already looking like outgoing champions - Argentinos Juniors this week by a single goal from Mauro Obolo. It was route one, a long free-kick which Obolo flicked on and got the return pass for a tap-in. Vélez are dead level with Arsenal after beating River despite ending with ten men. It's to be remembered that the relegation system is a three-year average and River are going to have to finish top three at least to avoid the drop. Any loss is going to hurt and the fans are acutely aware of the predicament. Juan Martinez had Vélez in front just after half an hour as the River defence failed to step up in union and left him through on goal, but Diego Buonanotte equalised just before half time with a thunderous low drive. Santiago Silva was tripped when clear in on goal which gave Vélez a penalty 13 minutes after the break and he dusted himself to score the spot kick. That's his fourth of the season and he leads the way in the goal scoring stakes. A second booking twenty from time for Leandro Somosa blotted the copybook, but Vélez held out in relative comfort.
Back from Recopa duties, Estudiantes picked up where they left off with a win over Godoy Cruz who led early on through Diego Villar who converted a corner at the back stick. It was all square on twenty minutes, a Juan Veron free-kick prodded through his own net by Francisco Duarti. And that's how it looked like staying, but five minutes from time, Godoy were down a man when Carlos Sanchez picked up a second booking. With a minute of stoppage time remaining, Estudiantes broke and Leandro Gonzalez diverted a cross into the net for a late winner. San Lorenzo are in third after beating Boca who are in trouble. And they were on the back foot from late in the first half. The score was still 0-0 when Gary Medel was sent off for a second caution. On resumption, San Lorenzo went on the offensive and a deep free kick was turned back into the box and Sebastian Balsas rose highest to thump a header into the net. Balsas turned provider for the second which came a couple of minutes from the end, his square ball curled past the keeper by Juan Menseguez. Martin Palermo did pull one back deep into stoppage time, a walk-in after the keeper fumbled, but it was too little and far, far too late.
Of the promoted clubs, Quilmes are by far the worst. They're bottom after slumping to another loss, this time despite being ahead inside a minute against Huracán, Santiago Hursig getting a faint header on a long range free-kick to divert it home. The lead lasted until the last minute of the first half when a free-kick from down by the corner flag was headed in by Carlos Quintana. Luciano Nieto sealed the win midway through the second half, a rocket from fully 25 yards. The other two went head-to-head and it was All Boys who emerged with the points against Olimpo. Just the one goal in it and that was pretty route one. A long clearance was flicked on into the path of Matias Perez-Garcia who showed great presence of mind to chip the keeper. Great finish.
Ten-man Banfield scraped a draw with Tigre. Goalless after an hour, Ruben Ramirez picked up a second booking and was dismissed. With seven minutes left, Ramiro Leone profited from a goalkeeping howler to put Tigre ahead, but Banfield got a late equaliser when Sebastian Romero headed in from point blank range following a corner. Gimnasia are struggling after defeat to Lanús who remain on the heels of the leaders. Two second half goals did it, the first from Mario Regueiro finishing off a lovely counter-attacking move and the second from Silvio Romero from six yards out after some real nice inter-passing and movement which had Gimnasia chasing shadows. Racing went down to Colón after an action-packed first 45. Esteban Fuertes had Colón in front after five minutes, played in by a Racing defender, but it was level on the half hour as Claudio Bieler latched on to a parried save to tap in. The winner came five minutes from the break, Joaquin Larrivey in oceans of space wide on the right and finding the finish to send Colón's fans back to Santa Fe happy. A draw helps neither Newell's or Independiente, but that's what they got. Independiente led midway through the first half, Nestor Silvera on the end of a fast break from midfield to finish from an angle. Mauro Fórmica equalised quarter of an hour from time, finishing a move of some quality down the right hand side.
Next week, Arsenal go to the Monumentál to face River in a top-of-the-table clash. Estudiantes are at home to Racing and it's second v third when Vélez go to San Lorenzo.
Tigre v Gimnasia La Plata
Colón v All Boys
Estudiantes v Racing Club
San Lorenzo v Vélez Sarsfield
Lanús v Godoy Cruz
Huracán v Banfield
Argentinos Juniors v Newell's Old Boys
River Plate v Arsenal
Independiente v Quilmes
Olimpo v Boca Juniors
Racing Club 1-2 Colón
All Boys 1-0 Olimpo
Boca Juniors 1-2 San Lorenzo
Arsenal 1-0 Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys 1-1 Independiente
Quilmes 1-2 Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata 0-2 Lanús
Banfield 1-1 Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 River Plate
Arsenal de Sarandi have emerged as front-runners after previous leaders River Plate went down to their first loss of the season. They beat champions - already looking like outgoing champions - Argentinos Juniors this week by a single goal from Mauro Obolo. It was route one, a long free-kick which Obolo flicked on and got the return pass for a tap-in. Vélez are dead level with Arsenal after beating River despite ending with ten men. It's to be remembered that the relegation system is a three-year average and River are going to have to finish top three at least to avoid the drop. Any loss is going to hurt and the fans are acutely aware of the predicament. Juan Martinez had Vélez in front just after half an hour as the River defence failed to step up in union and left him through on goal, but Diego Buonanotte equalised just before half time with a thunderous low drive. Santiago Silva was tripped when clear in on goal which gave Vélez a penalty 13 minutes after the break and he dusted himself to score the spot kick. That's his fourth of the season and he leads the way in the goal scoring stakes. A second booking twenty from time for Leandro Somosa blotted the copybook, but Vélez held out in relative comfort.
Back from Recopa duties, Estudiantes picked up where they left off with a win over Godoy Cruz who led early on through Diego Villar who converted a corner at the back stick. It was all square on twenty minutes, a Juan Veron free-kick prodded through his own net by Francisco Duarti. And that's how it looked like staying, but five minutes from time, Godoy were down a man when Carlos Sanchez picked up a second booking. With a minute of stoppage time remaining, Estudiantes broke and Leandro Gonzalez diverted a cross into the net for a late winner. San Lorenzo are in third after beating Boca who are in trouble. And they were on the back foot from late in the first half. The score was still 0-0 when Gary Medel was sent off for a second caution. On resumption, San Lorenzo went on the offensive and a deep free kick was turned back into the box and Sebastian Balsas rose highest to thump a header into the net. Balsas turned provider for the second which came a couple of minutes from the end, his square ball curled past the keeper by Juan Menseguez. Martin Palermo did pull one back deep into stoppage time, a walk-in after the keeper fumbled, but it was too little and far, far too late.
Of the promoted clubs, Quilmes are by far the worst. They're bottom after slumping to another loss, this time despite being ahead inside a minute against Huracán, Santiago Hursig getting a faint header on a long range free-kick to divert it home. The lead lasted until the last minute of the first half when a free-kick from down by the corner flag was headed in by Carlos Quintana. Luciano Nieto sealed the win midway through the second half, a rocket from fully 25 yards. The other two went head-to-head and it was All Boys who emerged with the points against Olimpo. Just the one goal in it and that was pretty route one. A long clearance was flicked on into the path of Matias Perez-Garcia who showed great presence of mind to chip the keeper. Great finish.
Ten-man Banfield scraped a draw with Tigre. Goalless after an hour, Ruben Ramirez picked up a second booking and was dismissed. With seven minutes left, Ramiro Leone profited from a goalkeeping howler to put Tigre ahead, but Banfield got a late equaliser when Sebastian Romero headed in from point blank range following a corner. Gimnasia are struggling after defeat to Lanús who remain on the heels of the leaders. Two second half goals did it, the first from Mario Regueiro finishing off a lovely counter-attacking move and the second from Silvio Romero from six yards out after some real nice inter-passing and movement which had Gimnasia chasing shadows. Racing went down to Colón after an action-packed first 45. Esteban Fuertes had Colón in front after five minutes, played in by a Racing defender, but it was level on the half hour as Claudio Bieler latched on to a parried save to tap in. The winner came five minutes from the break, Joaquin Larrivey in oceans of space wide on the right and finding the finish to send Colón's fans back to Santa Fe happy. A draw helps neither Newell's or Independiente, but that's what they got. Independiente led midway through the first half, Nestor Silvera on the end of a fast break from midfield to finish from an angle. Mauro Fórmica equalised quarter of an hour from time, finishing a move of some quality down the right hand side.
Next week, Arsenal go to the Monumentál to face River in a top-of-the-table clash. Estudiantes are at home to Racing and it's second v third when Vélez go to San Lorenzo.
Tigre v Gimnasia La Plata
Colón v All Boys
Estudiantes v Racing Club
San Lorenzo v Vélez Sarsfield
Lanús v Godoy Cruz
Huracán v Banfield
Argentinos Juniors v Newell's Old Boys
River Plate v Arsenal
Independiente v Quilmes
Olimpo v Boca Juniors
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Boca off the mark
Huracán 1-1 Newell's Old Boys
Lanús 0-0 Banfield
Tigre 3-0 Quilmes
Colón 1-3 Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo 3-1 All Boys
Independiente 1-2 Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 River Plate
Boca Juniors 2-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Olimpo 1-0 Racing Club
The season of contrasting fortunes for the big hitters in Argentine football continues. While a goalless draw with champions Argentinos was enough for River Plate to go top of the table - partly due to the inaction of Estudiantes thanks to Recopa Sudamericana duties - Boca were celebrating their first win of the season. The result also helped River go top, an irony presumably not lost on the Bombonera faithful. Sebastian Battaglia got the first ten minutes from half time, a nice header from a free-kick as he was falling away, but still managing to get enough purchase on it. Lucas Viatri doubled the advantage just after the hour, again from a free-kick which Vélez failed to deal with. All Vélez could manage was Santiago Silva's now customary goal, a powerful header with five minutes to go.
Banfield were held to a 0-0 draw by Lanús and that's allowed Arsenal to sneak up from nowhere to land in second place after four rounds following their third straight win. Independiente were the victims this time, but only after a goalless first half. On the hour, a cross was stood up to the back post for Sergio Sena to climb over the defence to head in from close range. The second was all about Gonzalo Choy who weaved his way to the byeline and fired in from a seemingly impossible angle. Think Maicon at the World Cup, but narrower. Leonel Galeano pulled one back for Independiente in the last minute, but it was too little and too late. Godoy Cruz make strides after an indifferent start to the campaign, moving up to fourth after a bad tempered win over Colón who were in front after half an hour through Damian Diaz who sprinted right through the heart of the defence and finished in style. However, they'd be down to nine men a couple of minutes into the second period as first Cristian Ledesma and then Mauro Bellone picked up second bookings and went for the early bath. Jorge Curbelo did his best to even things up, his second caution leaving Godoy with ten, but with the numerical advantage, three goals in six minutes swung the game. A deep cross found Jairo Castillo who climbed highest to head in the equaliser. A routine cross wasn't dealt with by Colón a couple of minutes later which allowed David Ramirez to poach one and Rodrigo Salinas sealed it with a lovely, curling effort from the edge of the box another five minutes later.
Quilmes are struggling and were easily brushed aside by Tigre. Mariano Echeverria had Tigre in front inside ten minutes, but the game wasn't really settled until ten from the end when Diego Morales's weaving run and finish doubled the lead and Denis Stracqualursi added a third moments later, a fierce drive from a tight-ish angle. All Boys couldn't build on last week's win and finished with nine players as they went down to San Lorenzo. They were already behind when the first one went, Juan Menseguéz with a nice angled finish moments before Fernando Sanchez saw yellow for the second time and was dismissed. Guillermo Pereyra headed in under no pressure moments later, but Mauro Matos pulled one back for All Boys from the penalty spot a couple of minutes after that. Any thoughts of a comeback were undone ten from time when Carlos Soto picked up his second yellow to become the second sending off and Cristian Tula wrapped it up with another free header. Racing also finished with nine as they lost to Olimpo. Just the one goal and that coming when it was eleven v eleven, some slipshod marking allowing Nestor Bareiro to score from 12 yards out. Racing's attempts to get back in the game were scuppered by Matias Cahias's second yellow and, in the last minute, a straight red for Patricio Toranzo. Newell's were held by Huracán who were ahead on 20 minutes through Rolando Zarate as the offside trap was sprung wide open. Mauricio Sperdutti equalised five minutes after the break, a cross pinballing around the box off defenders before it fell to Sperdutti's feet and he needed no second invitation to finish from six yards.
Still no Estudiantes this weekend coming as they prepare for their return leg against LDU Quito in the Recopa Sudamericana (Estudiantes trail 2-1 after the first leg). Top game sees River Plate away to Vélez Sarsfield, 1st v 3rd. Arsenal's surge up the table continues with a home game against struggling Argentinos and Boca have it all on to make it two wins in a row - they welcome San Lorenzo to the Bombonera. Bottom side Independiente take on a Newell's side entrenched in mid-table.
Racing Club v Colón
All Boys v Olimpo
Boca Juniors v San Lorenzo
Arsenal v Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys v Independiente
Quilmes v Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata v Lanús
Banfield v Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield v River Plate
Lanús 0-0 Banfield
Tigre 3-0 Quilmes
Colón 1-3 Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo 3-1 All Boys
Independiente 1-2 Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 River Plate
Boca Juniors 2-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Olimpo 1-0 Racing Club
The season of contrasting fortunes for the big hitters in Argentine football continues. While a goalless draw with champions Argentinos was enough for River Plate to go top of the table - partly due to the inaction of Estudiantes thanks to Recopa Sudamericana duties - Boca were celebrating their first win of the season. The result also helped River go top, an irony presumably not lost on the Bombonera faithful. Sebastian Battaglia got the first ten minutes from half time, a nice header from a free-kick as he was falling away, but still managing to get enough purchase on it. Lucas Viatri doubled the advantage just after the hour, again from a free-kick which Vélez failed to deal with. All Vélez could manage was Santiago Silva's now customary goal, a powerful header with five minutes to go.
Banfield were held to a 0-0 draw by Lanús and that's allowed Arsenal to sneak up from nowhere to land in second place after four rounds following their third straight win. Independiente were the victims this time, but only after a goalless first half. On the hour, a cross was stood up to the back post for Sergio Sena to climb over the defence to head in from close range. The second was all about Gonzalo Choy who weaved his way to the byeline and fired in from a seemingly impossible angle. Think Maicon at the World Cup, but narrower. Leonel Galeano pulled one back for Independiente in the last minute, but it was too little and too late. Godoy Cruz make strides after an indifferent start to the campaign, moving up to fourth after a bad tempered win over Colón who were in front after half an hour through Damian Diaz who sprinted right through the heart of the defence and finished in style. However, they'd be down to nine men a couple of minutes into the second period as first Cristian Ledesma and then Mauro Bellone picked up second bookings and went for the early bath. Jorge Curbelo did his best to even things up, his second caution leaving Godoy with ten, but with the numerical advantage, three goals in six minutes swung the game. A deep cross found Jairo Castillo who climbed highest to head in the equaliser. A routine cross wasn't dealt with by Colón a couple of minutes later which allowed David Ramirez to poach one and Rodrigo Salinas sealed it with a lovely, curling effort from the edge of the box another five minutes later.
Quilmes are struggling and were easily brushed aside by Tigre. Mariano Echeverria had Tigre in front inside ten minutes, but the game wasn't really settled until ten from the end when Diego Morales's weaving run and finish doubled the lead and Denis Stracqualursi added a third moments later, a fierce drive from a tight-ish angle. All Boys couldn't build on last week's win and finished with nine players as they went down to San Lorenzo. They were already behind when the first one went, Juan Menseguéz with a nice angled finish moments before Fernando Sanchez saw yellow for the second time and was dismissed. Guillermo Pereyra headed in under no pressure moments later, but Mauro Matos pulled one back for All Boys from the penalty spot a couple of minutes after that. Any thoughts of a comeback were undone ten from time when Carlos Soto picked up his second yellow to become the second sending off and Cristian Tula wrapped it up with another free header. Racing also finished with nine as they lost to Olimpo. Just the one goal and that coming when it was eleven v eleven, some slipshod marking allowing Nestor Bareiro to score from 12 yards out. Racing's attempts to get back in the game were scuppered by Matias Cahias's second yellow and, in the last minute, a straight red for Patricio Toranzo. Newell's were held by Huracán who were ahead on 20 minutes through Rolando Zarate as the offside trap was sprung wide open. Mauricio Sperdutti equalised five minutes after the break, a cross pinballing around the box off defenders before it fell to Sperdutti's feet and he needed no second invitation to finish from six yards.
Still no Estudiantes this weekend coming as they prepare for their return leg against LDU Quito in the Recopa Sudamericana (Estudiantes trail 2-1 after the first leg). Top game sees River Plate away to Vélez Sarsfield, 1st v 3rd. Arsenal's surge up the table continues with a home game against struggling Argentinos and Boca have it all on to make it two wins in a row - they welcome San Lorenzo to the Bombonera. Bottom side Independiente take on a Newell's side entrenched in mid-table.
Racing Club v Colón
All Boys v Olimpo
Boca Juniors v San Lorenzo
Arsenal v Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys v Independiente
Quilmes v Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata v Lanús
Banfield v Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield v River Plate
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
River's resurgence
Banfield 0-0 Estudiantes
Newell's Old Boys 2-0 Tigre
Quilmes 1-1 Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield 2-0 Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz 1-0 Olimpo
Racing Club 1-2 San Lorenzo
Gimnasia La Plata 0-0 Colón
River Plate 3-2 Independiente
Arsenal 2-0 Huracán
All Boys 2-0 Boca Juniors
We've said from the off that River Plate needed a rocket up their collective backside if they were to avoid the drop in Argentina's convoluted promotion/relegation system. Well they've had it and now sit level on points at the top of the league alongside Vélez Sarsfield, the only two sides left with 100% records. Rogerio Funes turned in the opener from close range, despite appearing to be offside as the initial, wayward shot came in and he restored the lead after Nestor Silvera equalised Independiente after latching onto a long ball forward. Funes was on the limit of offside for his second, sweeping it in from the 12 yards, and it was 3-1 by half time, Paulo Ferrari beating the keeper at the near post as he was distracted by Funes at the far post and available for the cross. A last-minute own goal pulled one back, but too late. Their big rivals, meanwhile, are in all sorts of bother with just one point from three games after defeat to promoted All Boys. Boca keeper Cristian Lucchetti brought down Mauro Matos on the half hour for a penalty which Matos converted himself. Eduardo Dominguez added a thumping header from a corner six minutes before half time and there was no way back for Boca.
Vélez lead the way on goal difference thanks to a 2-0 win over champions Argentinos who, after having lost manager Claudio Borghi to Boca have lost their way. Leandro Somoza smacked in a penalty with twenty minutes to go and Santiago Silva, with his now customary goal, made it two before Santiago Gentiletti managed to get himself sent off in order to ensure no way back for Argentinos. Banfield and Estudiantes both drop two points on the leaders after drawing with one another without troubling the scorers. So did Gimnasia and Colón while Quilmes and Lanús did at least get one each. Juan Morales headed Quilmes ahead in the seventh minute, but the lead lasted just six minutes until Santiago Salcedo latched onto a poor clearance from Quilmes keeper Emanuel Tripodi and chipped him as he came to atone for his mistake. Godoy Cruz just needed one goal to see off Olimpo, Ariel Rojas with it, finally prodding the ball home after a barrage of shots had been turned away. An unfortunate deflection off the keeper took it into Rojas's path and he couldn't miss from four yards.
Two off and two goals as Newell's beat Tigre. The first dismissal came in the 41st minute, Gonzalo Vera leaving Tigre with ten, and was followed by the first goal, a free-kick floated across the box for the head of Rolando Schiavi to meet it perfectly. Tigre were down to nine with five minutes to go, Cristian Trombetta given his marching orders, and the second goal followed quickly as the undermanned defence left an aching gap in the centre for Luis Rodriguez to get onto a well-weighted through ball and finish to seal the points. Arsenal are up to fifth after beating Huracán. Mauro Obolo put them in front on the quarter hour, a bullet header from a free kick, and on the hour the game was safe as Luciano Leguizamon converted a penalty which his own tricky feet had won. They pass Racing who were beaten at home by San Lorenzo who were ahead inside twenty minutes as Guillermo Pereyra was found on the edge of the box from where he placed a lovely shot just beyond the grasp of the keeper. Ten minutes after the break, Pablo Luguercio equalised with a rasping shot from long range which just took enough of the inside portion of the post to divert it into the back of the net. With time running out, Sebastian Balsas looped a header over the keeper and in for the winner.
Next week, Boca fans have a major problem. Would they rather beat Vélez but potentially see River go top by beating struggling Argentinos or take a dive lest their rivals steal a march? The La Plata derby between Estudiantes and Gimnasia was scheduled for this round, but is held back a month as Estudiantes are in Recopa Sudamericana action against LDU Quito, so Banfield can put some daylight on them if they beat Lanús.
Huracán v Newell's Old Boys
Lanús v Banfield
Tigre v Quilmes
Colón v Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo v All Boys
Independiente v Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors v River Plate
Olimpo v Racing Club
Boca Juniors v Vélez Sarsfield
Newell's Old Boys 2-0 Tigre
Quilmes 1-1 Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield 2-0 Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz 1-0 Olimpo
Racing Club 1-2 San Lorenzo
Gimnasia La Plata 0-0 Colón
River Plate 3-2 Independiente
Arsenal 2-0 Huracán
All Boys 2-0 Boca Juniors
We've said from the off that River Plate needed a rocket up their collective backside if they were to avoid the drop in Argentina's convoluted promotion/relegation system. Well they've had it and now sit level on points at the top of the league alongside Vélez Sarsfield, the only two sides left with 100% records. Rogerio Funes turned in the opener from close range, despite appearing to be offside as the initial, wayward shot came in and he restored the lead after Nestor Silvera equalised Independiente after latching onto a long ball forward. Funes was on the limit of offside for his second, sweeping it in from the 12 yards, and it was 3-1 by half time, Paulo Ferrari beating the keeper at the near post as he was distracted by Funes at the far post and available for the cross. A last-minute own goal pulled one back, but too late. Their big rivals, meanwhile, are in all sorts of bother with just one point from three games after defeat to promoted All Boys. Boca keeper Cristian Lucchetti brought down Mauro Matos on the half hour for a penalty which Matos converted himself. Eduardo Dominguez added a thumping header from a corner six minutes before half time and there was no way back for Boca.
Vélez lead the way on goal difference thanks to a 2-0 win over champions Argentinos who, after having lost manager Claudio Borghi to Boca have lost their way. Leandro Somoza smacked in a penalty with twenty minutes to go and Santiago Silva, with his now customary goal, made it two before Santiago Gentiletti managed to get himself sent off in order to ensure no way back for Argentinos. Banfield and Estudiantes both drop two points on the leaders after drawing with one another without troubling the scorers. So did Gimnasia and Colón while Quilmes and Lanús did at least get one each. Juan Morales headed Quilmes ahead in the seventh minute, but the lead lasted just six minutes until Santiago Salcedo latched onto a poor clearance from Quilmes keeper Emanuel Tripodi and chipped him as he came to atone for his mistake. Godoy Cruz just needed one goal to see off Olimpo, Ariel Rojas with it, finally prodding the ball home after a barrage of shots had been turned away. An unfortunate deflection off the keeper took it into Rojas's path and he couldn't miss from four yards.
Two off and two goals as Newell's beat Tigre. The first dismissal came in the 41st minute, Gonzalo Vera leaving Tigre with ten, and was followed by the first goal, a free-kick floated across the box for the head of Rolando Schiavi to meet it perfectly. Tigre were down to nine with five minutes to go, Cristian Trombetta given his marching orders, and the second goal followed quickly as the undermanned defence left an aching gap in the centre for Luis Rodriguez to get onto a well-weighted through ball and finish to seal the points. Arsenal are up to fifth after beating Huracán. Mauro Obolo put them in front on the quarter hour, a bullet header from a free kick, and on the hour the game was safe as Luciano Leguizamon converted a penalty which his own tricky feet had won. They pass Racing who were beaten at home by San Lorenzo who were ahead inside twenty minutes as Guillermo Pereyra was found on the edge of the box from where he placed a lovely shot just beyond the grasp of the keeper. Ten minutes after the break, Pablo Luguercio equalised with a rasping shot from long range which just took enough of the inside portion of the post to divert it into the back of the net. With time running out, Sebastian Balsas looped a header over the keeper and in for the winner.
Next week, Boca fans have a major problem. Would they rather beat Vélez but potentially see River go top by beating struggling Argentinos or take a dive lest their rivals steal a march? The La Plata derby between Estudiantes and Gimnasia was scheduled for this round, but is held back a month as Estudiantes are in Recopa Sudamericana action against LDU Quito, so Banfield can put some daylight on them if they beat Lanús.
Huracán v Newell's Old Boys
Lanús v Banfield
Tigre v Quilmes
Colón v Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo v All Boys
Independiente v Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors v River Plate
Olimpo v Racing Club
Boca Juniors v Vélez Sarsfield
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Five go two-for-two
Colón 0-1 Banfield
Boca Juniors 1-2 Racing Club
Lanús 1-2 Newell's Old Boys
Tigre 1-2 Arsenal
San Lorenzo 2-2 Godoy Cruz
Huracán 0-1 River Plate
All Boys 1-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Estudiantes 2-0 Quilmes
Olimpo 0-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Independiente 1-1 Argentinos Juniors
Five clubs remain with 100% records after two weeks of football in the Apertura. It seems that the very real threat of being embroiled in a relegation battle has finally resulted in River Plate pulling out their collective finger out and they're one of the five thanks to a second straight 1-0 win, this time over Huracán. Shifting defence into attack, River went from goalkeeper to goal in four passes and a combined total of about eight touches. Facundo Affranchino got on the end of it, almost threatening to fall over the ball before stabbing it in with the keeper nowhere. They had to hang on a bit at the end, Ariel Ortega sent off with 19 minutes to go. River's big rivals Boca couldn't improve on their opening day draw, ending up losers to Racing Club. Lucas Viatri, scorer in the first round, put Boca ahead with a lovely header, but Racing had pegged it back by half time, Claudio Yacob prodding a free-kick home from close range at the back post. Five minutes after the restart, Boca failed to clear a long range shot and it fell to Marcos Caceres lashed it in from the edge of the box and that was enough for the win.
Banfield, winners of the last Apertura, are back in the winning groove, albeit against the run of play against Colón who should have been two or three ahead by the time Cristian Garcia turned a corner in with little over ten minutes to go. You know what they say about sides who win when they're not playing well... Estudiantes also left it late to beat Quilmes. Just eight minutes were left when Estudiantes cleared downfield. The ball was held up wonderfully well and shifted to Rodrigo Brana who bust a gut to get up in support before finishing with the lightest of touches to lift the ball over the advancing keeper. Rodrigo Lopez added a penalty in stoppage time to make sure. And Vélez are the other 100% side as they beat All Boys, albeit less than convincingly. Maxi Martinez lifted a free-kick over the wall and in for the opener ten out from half time and it was two on the stroke of the 45 minute mark, Santiago Silva playing in Juan Martinez who finished from a tight angle. Fernando Sanchez headed in late on from a free-kick, but Vélez closed it out.
Mauricio Sperdutti scored and was dismissed for Newell's as they were held by Lanús, who also finished a man short. Santiago Salcedo headed in from close range to give Lanús the lead, but they were pegged back late in the first half through Sperdutti's stunning free-kick - no back-lift, bang, keeper no chance. Marcos Aguirre was sent off on the stroke of half-time for Lanús, but Sperdutti followed ten minutes after the restart when he picked up a second yellow and 1-1 it remained. San Lorenzo led then had to come from behind to claim a draw with Godoy Cruz. Cristian Tula powered in a header from ten yards out to give San Lorenzo the lead, but two goals either side of half time from David Ramirez swung the advantage back the other way. Both were lovely weighted left-foot finishes from an angle as San Lorenzo were pulled apart down their right. But Diego Rivero, via a massive deflection and the goalkeeper's fumble, squared it up with twelve minutes left.
Luciano Leguizamon got two for Arsenal as they beat Tigre, both coming early in the first half. The first was route one stuff, Leguizamo volleying in a knock down from a massive clearance while the second was raw pace followed by lightness of touch to dink it over the keeper for a stylish goal. A defensive shambles let Denis Stracqualursi prod home a less stylish goal for 2-1 twenty minutes from time, but Arsenal hung on. Champions Argentinos got their first point of the season against Independiente. They were ahead in the sixteenth minute as Gonzalo Prosperi volleyed in from the edge of the box, but Argentinos were level inside thirty seconds, Federico Mancuello profiting from a defensive mix-up. No more goals, but Nestor Ortigoza did leave Argentinos hanging on for ten minutes after his late red card. Finally, Olimpo got their first win back in the top flight, Marcelo Mosset captialising on some poor defence midway through the first half for the only goal of the game.
Argentinos go to Vélez as they look to get their title defence on track while the River revival - if it's not too early to call it that, which it probably is - continues against Independiente. Estudiantes and Banfield put their 100% records on the line against each other while Racing face San Lorenzo. All Boys welcome Boca as they seek their first point of the campaign while Tigre, in the same boat, go to Rosario to face Newell's.
Newell's Old Boys v Tigre
Banfield v Estudiantes
Quilmes v Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield v Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz v Olimpo
Racing Club v San Lorenzo
Gimnasia La Plata v Colón
River Plate v Independiente
Arsenal v Huracán
All Boys v Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors 1-2 Racing Club
Lanús 1-2 Newell's Old Boys
Tigre 1-2 Arsenal
San Lorenzo 2-2 Godoy Cruz
Huracán 0-1 River Plate
All Boys 1-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Estudiantes 2-0 Quilmes
Olimpo 0-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Independiente 1-1 Argentinos Juniors
Five clubs remain with 100% records after two weeks of football in the Apertura. It seems that the very real threat of being embroiled in a relegation battle has finally resulted in River Plate pulling out their collective finger out and they're one of the five thanks to a second straight 1-0 win, this time over Huracán. Shifting defence into attack, River went from goalkeeper to goal in four passes and a combined total of about eight touches. Facundo Affranchino got on the end of it, almost threatening to fall over the ball before stabbing it in with the keeper nowhere. They had to hang on a bit at the end, Ariel Ortega sent off with 19 minutes to go. River's big rivals Boca couldn't improve on their opening day draw, ending up losers to Racing Club. Lucas Viatri, scorer in the first round, put Boca ahead with a lovely header, but Racing had pegged it back by half time, Claudio Yacob prodding a free-kick home from close range at the back post. Five minutes after the restart, Boca failed to clear a long range shot and it fell to Marcos Caceres lashed it in from the edge of the box and that was enough for the win.
Banfield, winners of the last Apertura, are back in the winning groove, albeit against the run of play against Colón who should have been two or three ahead by the time Cristian Garcia turned a corner in with little over ten minutes to go. You know what they say about sides who win when they're not playing well... Estudiantes also left it late to beat Quilmes. Just eight minutes were left when Estudiantes cleared downfield. The ball was held up wonderfully well and shifted to Rodrigo Brana who bust a gut to get up in support before finishing with the lightest of touches to lift the ball over the advancing keeper. Rodrigo Lopez added a penalty in stoppage time to make sure. And Vélez are the other 100% side as they beat All Boys, albeit less than convincingly. Maxi Martinez lifted a free-kick over the wall and in for the opener ten out from half time and it was two on the stroke of the 45 minute mark, Santiago Silva playing in Juan Martinez who finished from a tight angle. Fernando Sanchez headed in late on from a free-kick, but Vélez closed it out.
Mauricio Sperdutti scored and was dismissed for Newell's as they were held by Lanús, who also finished a man short. Santiago Salcedo headed in from close range to give Lanús the lead, but they were pegged back late in the first half through Sperdutti's stunning free-kick - no back-lift, bang, keeper no chance. Marcos Aguirre was sent off on the stroke of half-time for Lanús, but Sperdutti followed ten minutes after the restart when he picked up a second yellow and 1-1 it remained. San Lorenzo led then had to come from behind to claim a draw with Godoy Cruz. Cristian Tula powered in a header from ten yards out to give San Lorenzo the lead, but two goals either side of half time from David Ramirez swung the advantage back the other way. Both were lovely weighted left-foot finishes from an angle as San Lorenzo were pulled apart down their right. But Diego Rivero, via a massive deflection and the goalkeeper's fumble, squared it up with twelve minutes left.
Luciano Leguizamon got two for Arsenal as they beat Tigre, both coming early in the first half. The first was route one stuff, Leguizamo volleying in a knock down from a massive clearance while the second was raw pace followed by lightness of touch to dink it over the keeper for a stylish goal. A defensive shambles let Denis Stracqualursi prod home a less stylish goal for 2-1 twenty minutes from time, but Arsenal hung on. Champions Argentinos got their first point of the season against Independiente. They were ahead in the sixteenth minute as Gonzalo Prosperi volleyed in from the edge of the box, but Argentinos were level inside thirty seconds, Federico Mancuello profiting from a defensive mix-up. No more goals, but Nestor Ortigoza did leave Argentinos hanging on for ten minutes after his late red card. Finally, Olimpo got their first win back in the top flight, Marcelo Mosset captialising on some poor defence midway through the first half for the only goal of the game.
Argentinos go to Vélez as they look to get their title defence on track while the River revival - if it's not too early to call it that, which it probably is - continues against Independiente. Estudiantes and Banfield put their 100% records on the line against each other while Racing face San Lorenzo. All Boys welcome Boca as they seek their first point of the campaign while Tigre, in the same boat, go to Rosario to face Newell's.
Newell's Old Boys v Tigre
Banfield v Estudiantes
Quilmes v Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield v Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz v Olimpo
Racing Club v San Lorenzo
Gimnasia La Plata v Colón
River Plate v Independiente
Arsenal v Huracán
All Boys v Boca Juniors
Thursday, 12 August 2010
River scrape a win
Arsenal 1-2 Lanús
Quilmes 1-1 Colón
Argentinos Juniors 1-2 Huracán
Newell's Old Boys 0-1 Estudiantes
Racing Club 1-0 All Boys
Banfield 2-1 Olimpo
River Plate 1-0 Tigre
Gimnasia La Plata 0-0 San Lorenzo
Vélez Sarsfield 1-0 Independiente
Godoy Cruz 0-0 Boca Juniors
As you all know, relegation issues in Argentina are worked out on a three-season average. This is a not very thinly-veiled method designed to keep the big boys in the top flight even if they have a wobble one season. Well, for the traditional powerhouses of the country, Boca and River Plate, it's been a few seasons now since they were genuine forces. Boca are low down the average table, but not in any immediate danger. River Plate, however, are in bother. Just the three promoted sides - Quilmes, All Boys and Olimpo who haven't played in the top flight in the last three seasons and therefore have ratings of zero - are below them. With the truncated nature of the Argentine season - very much a sprint rather than a marathon - a good start is essential for those with title ambitions or those fighting at the bottom. River were the better side for long periods of their opener against Tigre and struck a post in the 24th minute, but were being held 0-0 as the game went into stoppage time. Ariel Ortega then found a cross for Rogerio Mori to head in a crucial winner.
Estudiantes are one of those sides with ambitions of the title, even if Mauro Boselli reckons Wigan is nicer than La Plata. A single goal was enough to get them off to a win after a needless and obvious handball midway through the second half gave Juan Sebastian Veron the opportunity to smash a penalty away to seal the three points. Santiago Silva was on the mark on opening day as Vélez beat Independiente who ended with ten men when Julian Velazquez was sent off after picking up a second booking. Champions Argentinos Juniors were beaten despite going ahead, Gonzalo Vargas springing the offside trap and finishing with a lovely dink over the advancing keeper. Two goals in two second half minutes turned the game. Marino Martinez got the first, a ricochet falling at his feet six yards out, and Cesar Montiglio lashing in the winner from a tight-ish angle. Any chance of an Argentinos comeback was dashed with Gabriel Perez sent off for a second caution with 15 minutes left. Banfield won the last Apertura and start this campaign with a win over Olimpo, though the new boys were in front within 30 seconds of the start, Alejandro Delorte getting his head on a deep cross. Banfield were back into it with a penalty half way through the first half, smashed straight down the middle by Walter Erviti, and they ended the half in front, Cristian Garcia nodding in from close range from a set piece.
Neither of the other new boys could manage a win, but Quilmes did at least get a point off Colón thanks to a late, late equaliser. Esteban Fuertes had Colón in front late in the first half, bundling the ball over the line after seeing it blocked twice and eventually pushed over the line with his face. Juan Morales rescued a point in the last minute of normal time with a tap-in at the back post as a cross evaded everyone in the box. A stupidly optimistic free-kick somehow found it's way through to Lucas Aveldano for Racing's only goal against All Boys, but that was enough despite the late dismissal of Claudio Yacob.
Boca Juniors were caught napping in defence to allow Roberto Russo round the back to latch onto a deep cross to put Godoy Cruz ahead, but the lead lasted just six minutes when Lucas Viatri ended some patient build-up play with a nice chested control, swivel and shot. Lanús beat Arsenal after going ahead through Marcos Aguirre who wove his way through the defence before firing in from close range. Mauro Obolo equalised, albeit thanks largely to some generous goalkeeping, but the game was won with a routine header from a corner from Guido Pizarro with quarter of an hour to go.
Next week, Estudiantes have a good chance to continue their good start with a home tie against Quilmes while day one winners Huracán and River Plate are lined up against each other. In this format, you can't afford to fall too far behind, so Argentinos need to get moving soon, but have a tough trip to Independiente in round two.
Colón v Banfield
Boca Juniors v Racing Club
Lanús v Newell's Old Boys
Tigre v Arsenal
San Lorenzo v Godoy Cruz
Huracán v River Plate
All Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
Estudiantes v Quilmes
Olimpo v Gimnasia La Plata
Independiente v Argentinos Juniors
Quilmes 1-1 Colón
Argentinos Juniors 1-2 Huracán
Newell's Old Boys 0-1 Estudiantes
Racing Club 1-0 All Boys
Banfield 2-1 Olimpo
River Plate 1-0 Tigre
Gimnasia La Plata 0-0 San Lorenzo
Vélez Sarsfield 1-0 Independiente
Godoy Cruz 0-0 Boca Juniors
As you all know, relegation issues in Argentina are worked out on a three-season average. This is a not very thinly-veiled method designed to keep the big boys in the top flight even if they have a wobble one season. Well, for the traditional powerhouses of the country, Boca and River Plate, it's been a few seasons now since they were genuine forces. Boca are low down the average table, but not in any immediate danger. River Plate, however, are in bother. Just the three promoted sides - Quilmes, All Boys and Olimpo who haven't played in the top flight in the last three seasons and therefore have ratings of zero - are below them. With the truncated nature of the Argentine season - very much a sprint rather than a marathon - a good start is essential for those with title ambitions or those fighting at the bottom. River were the better side for long periods of their opener against Tigre and struck a post in the 24th minute, but were being held 0-0 as the game went into stoppage time. Ariel Ortega then found a cross for Rogerio Mori to head in a crucial winner.
Estudiantes are one of those sides with ambitions of the title, even if Mauro Boselli reckons Wigan is nicer than La Plata. A single goal was enough to get them off to a win after a needless and obvious handball midway through the second half gave Juan Sebastian Veron the opportunity to smash a penalty away to seal the three points. Santiago Silva was on the mark on opening day as Vélez beat Independiente who ended with ten men when Julian Velazquez was sent off after picking up a second booking. Champions Argentinos Juniors were beaten despite going ahead, Gonzalo Vargas springing the offside trap and finishing with a lovely dink over the advancing keeper. Two goals in two second half minutes turned the game. Marino Martinez got the first, a ricochet falling at his feet six yards out, and Cesar Montiglio lashing in the winner from a tight-ish angle. Any chance of an Argentinos comeback was dashed with Gabriel Perez sent off for a second caution with 15 minutes left. Banfield won the last Apertura and start this campaign with a win over Olimpo, though the new boys were in front within 30 seconds of the start, Alejandro Delorte getting his head on a deep cross. Banfield were back into it with a penalty half way through the first half, smashed straight down the middle by Walter Erviti, and they ended the half in front, Cristian Garcia nodding in from close range from a set piece.
Neither of the other new boys could manage a win, but Quilmes did at least get a point off Colón thanks to a late, late equaliser. Esteban Fuertes had Colón in front late in the first half, bundling the ball over the line after seeing it blocked twice and eventually pushed over the line with his face. Juan Morales rescued a point in the last minute of normal time with a tap-in at the back post as a cross evaded everyone in the box. A stupidly optimistic free-kick somehow found it's way through to Lucas Aveldano for Racing's only goal against All Boys, but that was enough despite the late dismissal of Claudio Yacob.
Boca Juniors were caught napping in defence to allow Roberto Russo round the back to latch onto a deep cross to put Godoy Cruz ahead, but the lead lasted just six minutes when Lucas Viatri ended some patient build-up play with a nice chested control, swivel and shot. Lanús beat Arsenal after going ahead through Marcos Aguirre who wove his way through the defence before firing in from close range. Mauro Obolo equalised, albeit thanks largely to some generous goalkeeping, but the game was won with a routine header from a corner from Guido Pizarro with quarter of an hour to go.
Next week, Estudiantes have a good chance to continue their good start with a home tie against Quilmes while day one winners Huracán and River Plate are lined up against each other. In this format, you can't afford to fall too far behind, so Argentinos need to get moving soon, but have a tough trip to Independiente in round two.
Colón v Banfield
Boca Juniors v Racing Club
Lanús v Newell's Old Boys
Tigre v Arsenal
San Lorenzo v Godoy Cruz
Huracán v River Plate
All Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
Estudiantes v Quilmes
Olimpo v Gimnasia La Plata
Independiente v Argentinos Juniors
Friday, 6 August 2010
Apertura kicks off
Arsenal v Lanús
Quilmes v Colón
Argentinos Juniors v Huracán
Newell's Old Boys v Estudiantes
Racing Club v All Boys
Banfield v Olimpo
River Plate v Tigre
Gimnasia La Plata v San Lorenzo
Vélez Sarsfield v Independiente
Godoy Cruz v Boca Juniors
It's all back on in Argentina as the Apertura kicks off this weekend. We've had the relegation which occurs every three seasons and Rosario Central, Chacarita Juniors and Atlético Tucumán take the drop. In their place come Quilmes, Olimpo and All Boys.
The title has changed hands season on season lately as the turnover of players gets ever more rapid, the traditional powerhouses struggle for finance and the whole thing becomes more unpredictable as a result. Estudiantes have lost a major source of firepower in selling Mauro Boselli to Wigan, but the millions of quids they get in return in invaluable. Again, Juan Veron is the main man and if he stays fit, they've got a chance. Argentinos Juniors are the champions which they achieved more by consistency than anything else and will be there or close to it this time around too. Boca still have Juan Riquelme on one side of the dressing room and Martin Palermo on the other which is not going to help matters while their big rivals at River Plate will once again rely on the creaking knees of Ariel Ortega. Neither will be challenging for silverware.
Elsewhere, there's not a lot to get the pulses racing. Roberto Ayala joins Racing at the ripe old age of 37, though he's unlikely to get them up among the title challengers. One side whose gib we like the cut of is Vélez Sarsfield providing Nicolas Otamendi can get over his World Cup nightmare quickly. It promises to be another season that gapes open as wide as possible. While the quality might not be there, you can guarantee excitement, horror tackles, no small amount of skill and every prediction we make to be wrong.
Quilmes v Colón
Argentinos Juniors v Huracán
Newell's Old Boys v Estudiantes
Racing Club v All Boys
Banfield v Olimpo
River Plate v Tigre
Gimnasia La Plata v San Lorenzo
Vélez Sarsfield v Independiente
Godoy Cruz v Boca Juniors
It's all back on in Argentina as the Apertura kicks off this weekend. We've had the relegation which occurs every three seasons and Rosario Central, Chacarita Juniors and Atlético Tucumán take the drop. In their place come Quilmes, Olimpo and All Boys.
The title has changed hands season on season lately as the turnover of players gets ever more rapid, the traditional powerhouses struggle for finance and the whole thing becomes more unpredictable as a result. Estudiantes have lost a major source of firepower in selling Mauro Boselli to Wigan, but the millions of quids they get in return in invaluable. Again, Juan Veron is the main man and if he stays fit, they've got a chance. Argentinos Juniors are the champions which they achieved more by consistency than anything else and will be there or close to it this time around too. Boca still have Juan Riquelme on one side of the dressing room and Martin Palermo on the other which is not going to help matters while their big rivals at River Plate will once again rely on the creaking knees of Ariel Ortega. Neither will be challenging for silverware.
Elsewhere, there's not a lot to get the pulses racing. Roberto Ayala joins Racing at the ripe old age of 37, though he's unlikely to get them up among the title challengers. One side whose gib we like the cut of is Vélez Sarsfield providing Nicolas Otamendi can get over his World Cup nightmare quickly. It promises to be another season that gapes open as wide as possible. While the quality might not be there, you can guarantee excitement, horror tackles, no small amount of skill and every prediction we make to be wrong.
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