Old hands and new boys forge ahead

Gimnasia La Plata 1-3 Olimpo
Banfield 1-1 Colón
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 Independiente
Newell's Old Boys 2-1 Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield 1-2 All Boys
Racing Club 0-1 Boca Juniors
Quilmes 0-1 Estudiantes
River Plate 2-0 Huracán
Arsenal 2-0 Tigre
Godoy Cruz 0-2 San Lorenzo

The second round of fixtures are done and dusted in the Clausura and we're already down to two sides with 100% records. No surprises for reckoning on Estudiantes being one of them, but it's Olimpo who are up there with them. Promoted last time around, they did OK in finishing fourth from bottom in the Apertura, the worst of the three promoted clubs, but ahead of implosion victims Independiente, Gimnasia and strugglers Huracán. And it was Gimnasia who copped it from them last weekend in La Plata. Federico Dominguez put Olimpo ahead moments into the second half, turning a flick-on from a corner in as he was left unmarked at the back post. Gimnasia equalised through Jorge Cordoba, but though they forced Laureano Tombolini in the Olimpo goal to do far more work, they couldn't find a way through. Olimpo could and went back in front with twenty minutes left as an audacious lob came back off the bar to Ezequiel Maggiolo. Gaston Sessa's red card a few minutes later left Gimnasia with ten and Olimpo sealed a fine win with Martin Rolla's free-kick. Quilmes made a rod for their own back against the champions by having Enzo Kalinski sent off for a second booking just half an hour into their game and Gabriel Mercado's lovely swivel and finish on the stroke of half time was enough as Estudiantes bounced back from a Libertadores thrashing in midweek.

Premier Sports viewers watched Boca get off the mark against Racing thanks to Pablo Mouche's goal early in the second half. Very route-one, he latched onto a long through ball, his first touch was good and his second dinked between the keeper's legs. That was enough despite Diego Rivera seeing red late on for a second caution. The other TV game saw a bit of an upset as Vélez went down at home to All Boys. Ariel Ortega came off the bench for the visitors late on for a debut, but Sebastian Grazzini was the hero with a goal in each half. His first, in the 25th minute, was a cracker from the edge of the box into the top corner after some neat approach play, but it was cancelled out ten minutes after half time by David Ramierz's towering header. Vélez were level for barely two minutes though as Grazzini struck, again from the edge of the box after a goalmouth scramble broke down and the ball found it's way to his feet. First time, no backlift - bang. The game ended badly for All Boys though as they finished with nine, Carlos Soto picking up a second yellow and a straight red for Emmanuel Gigliotti as all order broke down.

Newell's got their first win by beating ten-man Lanús on Sunday. They were ahead seconds after half time through Claudio Bieler's terrific shot on the turn and though Diego Valeri equalised for Lanús, they were reduced to ten shortly afterwards when Santiago Hoyos saw yellow a second time. Newell's seized their chance, Juan Cobelli latching onto some defensive hesitancy and firing in the winner with a couple of minutes left. A first win too for River Plate, against the hapless Huracán, with two quickfire second-half goals doing the damage. First, Erik Lamela started and finished the move that cut open the Huracán rearguard far too easily before slipping it through the keeper's legs and Paulo Ferrari's diving header followed soon after. Huracán are awful at the back. Awful. Arsenal got off the mark against Tigre, who didn't help themselves by having Roman Martinez sent off on the half hour. They were already one down by then - Lisandro Lopez looping a header over the keeper from a deep free-kick - and conceded a second late on when a corner was cleared only as far as Jorge Ortiz on the edge of the D and he rifled it into the bottom corner. Arsenal were dominant throughout, no matter how many Tigre had on the field.

San Lorenzo put their first mark in the W column by beating Godoy Cruz who are brought to earth with a bit of a bump after tubbing Boca in week 1. In a game of few chances, the difference was the ability of Los Azulgrana to convert theirs. Juan Carlos Menseguéz was played in by a wonderful Pablo Velazquez flick pass to open the scores just after the break and Nahuel Benitez made it two deep in stoppage time, a long punt from the keeper right onto his forehead and in. It doesn't get more route one than that.

No goals and not many chances between Argentinos and Independiente and a draw too for Banfield and Colón. Jorge Achucarro put Banfield ahead in the sixth minute after showing great strength to engineer space on the edge of the box for a shot, but they were pegged back on the stroke of half time by Esteban Fuertes who was allowed a free header from three yards out.

There are some tasty clashes next weekend, nowhere moreso than at the Bombonera where All Boys are the visitors. There's as-live delayed coverage of that one on Premier Sports on Monday at 1:15am for all you night-owls. Estudiantes roll gracefully onward at home to Banfield and fellow leaders Olimpo welcome Godoy Cruz to Bahia Blanca. The other TV game sees River Plate away at Independiente and that's live late on Sunday.

Colón v Gimnasia La Plata
Olimpo v Godoy Cruz
Lanús v Quilmes
San Lorenzo v Racing Club
Boca Juniors v All Boys full delayed coverage on Premier Sports TV, Monday Feb 28, 1:15am
Tigre v Newell's Old Boys
Estudiantes v Banfield
Argentinos Juniors v Vélez Sarsfield
Independiente v River Plate LIVE on Premier Sports TV, Sunday Feb 27, 23:15
Huracán v Arsenal

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Boca thumped on opening day

Estudiantes 2-1 Newell's Old Boys
Independiente 2-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Olimpo 2-1 Banfield
San Lorenzo 1-1 Gimnasia
Colón 2-0 Quilmes
All Boys 0-1 Racing
Boca 1-4 Godoy Cruz
Tigre 0-0 River Plate
Lanús 3-1 Arsenal
Huracán 1-1 Argentinos Juniors

In the first of Premier Sports' live games from the Primera Divisíon, champions Estudiantes began their defence with a narrow win over Newell's in La Plata. A game of few chances was won in the first half by Los Pincharratas as Gaston Fernandez got on the end of a flowing move down the right for a 13th minute opener and, ten minutes later, a ball was lifted into the box for Gabriel Mercado who slipped it past the advancing keeper. It could have been worse for Newell's as Enzo Perez was pulled back in the box a couple of minutes from the break, but Hernandez saw his penalty saved. Newell's did get one back, Mauricio Sperdutti teeing up Juan Cobelli for a tap-in, but it came way too late - just a few seconds from the end of the 90.

On Sunday, Premier Sports viewers saw Boca Juniors ripped a new one by Godoy Cruz. An early double from Ruben Ramirez set Godoy on their way, the first a free header after the keeper let a deep cross slip through his arms. He had to work a bit harder to lose his marker for the second, but it was still a tap-in from five yards as the Boca defence was pulled this way and that. They look a shambles. It got worse for them after the break as Adrian Torres stole in round the back to half-volley in a third, but Boca got one back almost instantly as Walter Erviti was found by a neat cut-back and finished from 12 yards. It proved scant consolation in the end as Godoy went and added a fourth late on when Carlos Sanchez beat the keeper in a one-on-one as the Boca defence went AWOL once again.

Vélez came from two down to rescue a draw against Independiente, substitute Juan Manuel Martinez with the equaliser ten minutes from time. Facundo Parra headed El Rojo ahead from a corner early on and Roberto Battion sent them to the interval two up, again with a header as a deep free-kick was nodded back into the danger area by Maxi Velazquez. Vélez needed something quickly to give them a chance and it came within 65 seconds of the restart as Maxi Moralez sprang the offside trap - he was a good three yards onside - and finished one-on-one. Independiente were content to try and sit on it, but when a ball was lifted into the box, keeper Hilario Navarro came and got nowhere near it allowing Martinez to nip in and square things up. There were draws too for Tigre and River Plate - no goals despite plenty of shots flying in - and Huracán and Argentinos. Huracán led for most of the game having scored a second-minute penalty from Javier Campora, but were denied a minute from time by Nicolas Blandi who snuck round the back to prod in a dramatic equaliser. Gimnasia, in deep bother in terms of relegation, drew with San Lorenzo who led thanks to Juan Carlos Menseguez's superb shot on the turn on the quarter hour. The equaliser came midway through the send half from the penalty spot, Juan Neira converting after Guillermo Barrios was upended.

A second half double from Esteban Fuertes saw Colón past lowly Quilmes. His first, five minutes after half time, was goal of the round, a stunning 30-yard free-kick from the inside left channel into the bottom right corner. Twenty minutes later, he hit another - more central this time - over the wall and in to seal the win. Two stoppage time goals denied Arsenal a point at Lanús after Juan Pablo Caffa looked to have rescued a point for El Arse. A stooping header from Diego Valeri gave Lanús the lead ten minutes into the second half, but Caffa's brilliant free-kick looked to have levelled it up. Mauro Camoranesi hadn't been on the field long when he gave the foul away as he picked up where he left off after a miserable spell with Stuttgart. He atoned for his mistake with the killer ball for Mario Regueiro to head Lanús back ahead in the first minute of stoppages and Silvio Romero in the fifth fired in a third.

There was no Ariel Ortega for All Boys as they were completely outplayed by Racing, even if they only had Gabriel Hauche's late goal to show for it, the 24-year old twisting and turning in the box to create space and rifle the shot in off the upright. Carlos Salom's last minute strike nabbed all three points for Olimpo as they came from behind to beat Banfield who led three minutes into the second half thanks to Victor Lopez's powerful near-post header. David Vega squared it up 15 minutes later with a stunner from fully 30 yards and the Aurinegro comeback was complete as Salom followed in a shot which was parried into his path in the first minute of stoppages.

Boca are on Premier Sports next week as well, away to Racing on Monday while the other game sees All Boys pay Vélez a visit, hopefully with Ortega in tow. That one's on Sunday. Godoy are the early leaders and are at home to San Lorenzo while Estudiantes should be comfortable away to Quilmes.

Gimnasia La Plata v Olimpo
Banfield v Colón
Argentinos Juniors v Independiente
Newell's Old Boys v Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield v All Boys Delayed coverage on Premier Sports, Sunday 20 Feb, 22:30
Quilmes v Estudiantes
River Plate v Huracán
Racing Club v Boca Juniors Delayed coverage on Premier Sports, Monday 21 Feb, 00:15
Arsenal v Tigre
Godoy Cruz v San Lorenzo

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Champions kick off Clausura

It's Clausura time once again and everyone's gearing up for another frenetic season. It's the last time we'll have the Apertura/Clausura system before it goes to a more traditional home and away, 38 game league. However, the Promedio system will be retained when the new structure takes hold and the end of this campaign will see three teams bow out.

Estudiantes held off Vélez Sarsfield to take the Apertura title, but they were dealt a major blow when coach Alex Sabella, the former Sheffield United player, walked out on the club, apparently over a disagreement regarding transfer policy. One thing that is obvious is that Sabella never saw eye-to-eye with on-field leader, talisman and all-round genius Juan Veron who will lead the side once again. La Brujita, now 35, continues to stroll around the midfield in that languid style like he owns the place. Which is fair enough, because he pretty well does. Eduardo Berizzo takes over at short notice, fresh from working alongside Marcelo Bielsa with the Chilean national side. Sabella or no Sabella, Los Pincharratas are still the side to beat and they kick off the new competition on Friday night against Newell's Old Boys at 22:00 GMT, a game you can see live in the UK with our good friends at Premier Sports. Newell's, coached by Roberto Sensini these days, have Claudio Bieler in on loan from Racing to provide some punch after their Apertura campaign rather petered out.

The other TV game this week is Boca Juniors v Godoy Cruz on Sunday at 22:10 GMT. Lots of movement at Boca over the off-season with Julio Cesar Falcioni taking the managerial reins after a couple of successful years with Banfield. Pablo Mouche was set to leave - to West Ham where he would be the new Marco Boogers - but work permit problems mean he's still around and doubts remain over Juan Riquelme's continued involvement with the club. The venerable Martín Palermo goes round again at the age of 37 alongside the more youthful, but equally slow Lucas Viatri. Godoy had a good Apertura, eventually finishing a respectable fifth. They've taken the exciting Ruben Ramirez on loan from Colón after he scored 14 goals over the last two competitions in the colours of Banfield.

At least Boca aren't in trouble on the Promedio, unlike bitter rivals River Plate. Finishing fourth in the Apertura means they have a little breathing space. They also managed to hang to Rogelio Funes Mori and begin against Tigre. Olimpo and Quilmes, both promoted last time around, find themselves bottom of the Promedio, but good campaigns this time around will really put the cat among the pigeons. Quilmes have a tough tip to Santa Fe to face Colón while Olimpo have an equally tough prospect at home to Banfield. Gimnasia are the other side that start in the bottom three on the table and they've really been on the slide over the last few seasons. Former River boss Angel Cappa comes in to try to arrest the slide, but decline looks terminal and they've a tough start against San Lorenzo who are a better side than their 14th placed Apertura finish suggests.

Vélez were runners-up last time and have the prolific Santiago Silva up front alongside Mexican star Guillermo Franco and they look to be the most likely challengers to Estudiantes's crown once again. They're away to Independiente first up, the side that finished dead last in the Apertura. They did, however, somehow manage to win the Copa Sudamericana and can't possibly be as bad again as last time around.

Of the sides promoted last time, All Boys were far and away the best and they've made a bit of a transfer scoop by nabbing Ariel Ortega after he was told he no longer featured in River Plate's plans. While staying in the top flight will still be the priority, if Ortega fires, they can mount a real tilt at the Sudamericana places and they have a winnable fixture first at home to Racing Club. Arsenal were good last season and begin away from home against Lanús while both Huracán and Argentinos Juniors will both be happy to keep their heads above water. They face each other this weekend, both eager to get a headstart on the other.

A reminder then that the two games televised this week in the UK on Premier Sports this week are Estudiantes v Newell's on Friday the 11th at 22:00 and Boca v Godoy Cruz on Sunday the 13th at 22:10. And we'll have a review of all the goings on after the final game in the wee hours of Tuesday morning UK time.
Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

This Week on Premier Sports

This week on Premier Sports TV, SKY Channel 433, the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores begins with the Group Three fixture between the Champions of Brazil, Fluminense of Rio de Janeiro and the Argentinian Clausura Champions of 2010 Argentinos Juniors. The game is at the Engenhão Stadium, the home of the 2016 Olympic games, kicks off at Midnight on Thursday.

The Copa Libertadoes Round Up Show, which will feature the above game plus Deportes Tolima and Guaraní is on Friday night.

Friday also sees the launch of the coverage of the Clausura in Argentina when Apetura champions Estudiantes de La Plata entertian Newell's Old Boys of Rosario at 2200GMT. Then on Sunday it's off to La Bombonera for the home opener of the world famous Boca Juniors against Libertadores qualifiers Godoy Cruz. Program for this starts at 2210GMT.

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Watch Liverpool live tonight!

CONMEBalls are pleased to announce a partnership agreement with Premier Sports TV.

Located on SKY Channel 433, Premier Sports is the new home of Live South American Football in the UK. Covering a live Copa Libertadores game a week, with a highlights show on Friday night, Premier Sports TV will be beaming the best of South America's major club tournament direct into your living room. This week you can see the First Stage Second Leg tie between Grêmio of Brazil and Liverpool of Uruguay. The tie is delicately poised after a 2-2 draw in Montevideo last week.

Starting on Friday February 11th, Premier Sports begin their coverage of the Clausura League in Argentina. Opening with Apertura champions Estudiantes de La Plata against Newell's Old Boys and quickly followed on Sunday 13th February when Boca Juniors take on Godoy Cruz at La Bombonera. Two live games a week will be shown from the Argentinian league.

Matthew Horton, lead contributor at CONMEBalls said, "I'd like to thank Premier Sports TV for coming on board with the blog. This will be my third year of covering the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana and Campeonato Brasileiro. The blog is currently in the second year of it's coverage of the State Championships of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Coverage-wise, we will be reintroducing the Argentinian league to reflect the live coverage provided in the UK by Premier Sports TV. We hope this association will see us expand our readership in the UK to enable us to bring the delights of South American football to a wider audience."

The Live game on Premier Sports TV this week is Grêmio v Liverpool which will be shown tonight at Midnight, with the Copa Libertadores Round Up show every Friday at 2330GMT.

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK. You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Estudiantes assert their authority

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Argentinos clinch Clausura title

Arsenal 1-2 Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo 2-1 Newell's Old Boys
Banfield 3-0 Boca Juniors
Chacarita Juniors 1-2 Racing Club
Gimnasia La Plata 3-3 Atlético Tucumán
River Plate 1-5 Tigre
Independiente 1-0 Lanús
Rosario Central 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Colón 1-4 Estudiantes
Huracán 1-2 Argentinos Juniors

Estudiantes did all they could to wrest the initiative from Argentinos Juniors on final day in the Clausura. Their two games kicked off at the same time and, after 22 minutes, Mauro Boselli had already struck twice to put Estudiantes in control against Colón. However, a minute later Juan Ignacio Mercier struck for Argentinos. That was going to be enough. Still Estudiantes poured forward and Boselli completed the hat-trick that took him top of the goal-scoring charts shortly after the break and Enzo Perez made it four. Facundo Curuchet pulled one back - too late to effect the result - but all eyes were still on the Tomas Duco where it remained 1-0, although Huracán had been reduced a man, Paolo Goltz picking up a second yellow. Surely no way back now and Facundo Coria made it 2-0 with twelve minutes to go. Pablo Jerez was sent off, reducing Huracán to nine, and Alan Sanchez got one back for them, but Argentinos eased down to a comfortable win to take the title.

The complicated and borderline corrupt relegation system sees Gimnasia and Rosario Central playing off against Primera B opposition at the end of the three-season cycle. Gimnasia blew a three-goal lead against Tucumán to end 3-3, although that hands the wooden spoon to Atlético. Gimnasia were three-up at half-time through Gaston Casas, Alvaro Navarro and Esteban Gonzalez, but it turned around in grand style as Emmanuel Gigliotti, Cesar Montiglio and Deivis Barone squared things up. Rosario were held 0-0 by Vélez and now face All Boys while Gimnasia play off against Atlético Rafaela in order to preserve their Primera Division status.

Godoy Cruz finish third after a 2-1 win over Arsenal having gone behind to Cristian Alvarez. Leonardo Sigali and Rodrigo Salinas struck to win it. Ignacio Piatti got a late winner for Independiente against Lanús as they finish fourth while Banfield's defence thumped nine-man Boca in finishing fifth. Marcelo Bustamante put them ahead just before the break and an own goal from Gabriel Paletta made it two shortly before Pablo Mouche picked up his second yellow. Ruben Ramirez made it three with the resulting free-kick and Boca ended with nine after Cristian Erbes also saw yellow for a second time. Boca's big rivals, River Plate, also ended on the end of a tubbing, Tigre going 5-0 ahead inside the first half. Rogerio Funes did pull one back after the break, but that was hardly going to settle a restless home crowd.

San Lorenzo end a troubled campaign on a winning note, Nelson Benitez with the winner twenty minutes from time and Racing beat ten-man Chacarita 2-1 after Claudio Cevasco was sent off. Only Tucumán's inability to win saves Chacarita from finishing bottom.

Clausura goalfest on penultimate weekend

Vélez Sarsfield 4-1 Chacarita Juniors
Newell's Old Boys 6-0 Gimnasia La Plata
Racing Club 0-3 River Plate
Argentinos Juniors 4-3 Independiente
Estudiantes 0-0 Rosario Central
Tigre 1-2 Banfield
Boca Juniors 1-2 Huracán
Atlético Tucumán 1-1 Arsenal
Lanús 3-2 San Lorenzo
Godoy Cruz 3-0 Colón

On a weekend where 37 goals went in across the ten games in the Clausura, leaders Estudiantes could only muster a goalless draw in their game against Rosario Central. Indeed, they may feel it was a decent result as Juan Sebastian Veron was sent off on the half-hour. He is a hugely important player for the club and they do sometimes struggle for a plan B when he's not there. That slip allowed Argentinos Juniors to go top as they came from 3-1 down to beat Independiente in a thriller. Nicolas Pavlovich had put Argentinos ahead on 26 minutes, but Los Diablos Rojos were level inside 90 seconds, Leonel Nunez on target. Dario Gandín put Independiente ahead three minutes after the restart and Nunez's second made it 3-1 with twenty minutes to go. Pavlovich pulled one back, but heading into the last minute, it was still Independiente's game, but Juan Sabia levelled in the last minute and Matias Caruzzo won it with a dramatic late strike, in the fourth minute of stoppages. The title is between Argentinos and Estudiantes, separated by a point at the top of the table.

There was a hat-trick for Rogerio Funes as River Plate beat Racing 3-0. All three came before the game was half an hour old, the first inside two minutes, and that was that except for the late dismissal of Matias Almeyda which Racing couldn't make anything of. Rodrigo Lopez went one better, getting all four of Vélez Sarsfield's goals against Chacarita. He had two inside the first quarter hour before Facundo Parra pulled one back, but Lopez added a third before half-time and wrapped up with his fourth nine minutes from time. Newell's put six away past Gimnasia who finished the game with nine men. Joaquin Boghossian began the rout with a 13th minute penalty and Mauro Fórmica added a second within a minute. Lucas Bernardi made it three on the half hour and Gimnasia would end the first half with ten men, Alvaro Ormeno sent off with a minute to go. Juan Insaurralde and a second from Fórmica made it five before Ruben Maldonado picked up his second yellow leaving Gimnasia with nine players and Rolando Schiavi slammed home the penalty.

Tucumán still bring up the rear after their ninth draw of the season, but are only a point behind Chacarita. Juan Pereyra grabbed an equaliser after Luciano Leguizamo had put Arsenal in front in the first half. San Lorenzo's miserable season continues after defeat to Lanús. They were ahead in the first half through Bernardo Romero, but three in twenty second half minutes turned the game towards Lanús. Gonzalo Castillejos, Santiago Salcedo and Maxi Velazquez were all on target and Alejandro Gomez's late strike was scant consolation for The Saints. Boca Juniors are still struggling after another defeat. Adrian Peralta put Huracán ahead on the stroke of half-time, but Gabriel Paletta equalised five minutes into the second half. Boca were undone by the dismissal of Juan Krupoviesa on the hour and Gaston Machin made the ten men pay. The long running feud between Martín Palermo and Juan Riquelme looks to have been resolved with the latter leaving the club at the end of the season. Whether that will remove dressing room conflict or see many of the Riquelme faction follow him out of the club remains to be seen. Turbulent times at the Bombonera.

Elsewhere, Banfield beat Tigre, Ruben Ramirez and Roberto Battion on target before a late, late consolation from Bryan Rodriguez and Godoy Cruz consoldiated in third place with a comfortable win over Colón with Federico Higuain, Jairo Castillo and Sebastian Rodriguez all on target after a goalless first half.

The final round of fixtures stack up like this:
Chacarita Juniors v Racing Club
River Plate v Tigre
Banfield v Boca Juniors
Huracán v Argentinos Juniors
Independiente v Lanús
San Lorenzo v Newell's Old Boys
Gimnasia La Plata v Atlético Tucumán
Arsenal v Godoy Cruz
Colón v Estudiantes
Rosario Central v Vélez Sarsfield

If Argentinos win, they're champions. Estudiantes need at least a draw. That will be good enough if Argentinos lose, such is Estudiantes' superiority on goal difference, but really, they need to better Argentinos's result to prevail. It would be the first title in 25 years should Argentinos do it while Estudiantes were Apertura champions as recently as 2006, but they may struggle if Veron gets a ban. Tucumán could avoid the wooden spoon with a draw if Chacarita lose by three clear goals.

Estudiantes remain in control

Arsenal 0-2 Newell's Old Boys
Gimnasia La Plata 0-0 Lanús
Tigre 1-2 Racing Club
Rosario Central 1-0 Godoy Cruz
River Plate 2-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Banfield 1-0 Huracán
Colón 0-0 Atlético Tucumán
San Lorenzo 1-2 Argentinos Juniors
Chacarita Juniors 1-2 Estudiantes
Independiente 2-3 Boca Juniors

Estudiantes remain top of the tree in Argentina after coming from behind to see off ten man Chacarita. Los Funebreros were ahead early on through Omar Zarif, but they were reduced to ten men when Lisandro Lopez was sent off on the half hour. Mauro Boselli equalised with the resultant penalty. Christian Cellay put the leaders ahead moments later and so it remained. Argentinos also came from behind to remain just a point behind thanks to an Ismael Sosa double. Emiliano Alfaro put San Lorenzo in front five before half time, but Sosa turned it round, the second coming a minute from time. San Lorenzo ended with ten men when Damian Martinez was sent off in stoppage time. Those two now have a four-point buffer back to Godoy Cruz who lost ground thanks to Diego Chitzoff's late, late goal which gave Rosario Central a valuable win.

Better news for the traditional giants of the Argentinian game as Boca and River Plate both scored wins. Boca came from behind to beat Independiente who were ahead on the half hour through Ignacio Piatti. Fabian Monzon equalised a couple of minutes later and Martín Palermo sent them into half-time ahead. Pablo Mouche made it three moments before the end, but picked up a second booking for his celebration and was sent off. Leonel Nunez pulled one back in stoppage time, but Boca held on. River also went behind early Ricardo Alvarez putting Vélez ahead inside ten minutes. Paulo Ferrari squared it up on the stroke of half time and the winner came from Diego Buonanotte, back playing after that horrific car crash.

Banfield got back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Huracán, Maxi Laso with the only goal on the hour. Racing are one of the form sides at the moment and won their fourth straight game away to Tigre. Claudio Bieler put Racing in front, but Tigre were level moments later through Diego Castano. Lucas Aveldano restored the lead just after the half hour mark and that's how it stayed. There were no goals between Gimnasia and Lanús, nor between Colón and Tucumán who hung on for a point despite playing the last twenty minutes a man short, Raul Saavedra seeing red. Newell's beat Arsenal with two first-half goals, Agustin Alayes and Rolando Schiavi on target.

Next week:

Racing Club v River Plate
Vélez Sarsfield v Chacarita Juniors
Newell's Old Boys v Gimnasia La Plata
Argentinos Juniors v Independiente
Boca Juniors v Huracán
Tigre v Banfield
Estudiantes v Rosario Central
Atlético Tucumán v Arsenal
Godoy Cruz v Colón
Lanús v San Lorenzo

A win for Estudiantes would heap pressure on Argentinos who would also need to win against fourth-placed Independiente to keep the title challenge alive. Independiente need a win or it's over for them, as it would be for Godoy Cruz. Tucumán need to win to avoid the wooden spoon unless Chacarita also lose, in which case it will go to the final weekend.

Godoy slip to let Estudiantes in

Chacarita Juniors 1-2 Atlético Tucumán
Tigre 1-2 Estudiantes
Banfield 1-3 Independiente
River Plate 2-1 Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo 3-0 Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata 1-0 Boca Juniors
Rosario Central 1-1 Newell's Old Boys
Racing Club 3-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Arsenal 2-2 Argentinos Juniors
Colón 1-1 Lanús

After going top the previous week, Godoy Cruz ran into a River Plate side with a rocket up their collective backside. Federico Higuain put Godoy ahead in the first half, but River struck twice in two second half minutes through the veteran Ariel Ortega and Paulo Ferrari to sneak a win. Indeed, Godoy slip to fourth, albeit only two points off the top. Estudiantes went top with a win over Tigre. Leandro Desabato put Estudiantes ahead early on and Jose Sosa made it two midway through the first half. Tigre got one back just before the break with Marcos Rojo's own goal, but Estudiantes held on. Independiente are level on points with Estudiantes after a comfortable win over champions Banfield. Nestor Silvera put them ahead, but Banfield hit back through Ruben Ramirez. They were level for just two minutes, Leandro Gracian restoring the lead, and Leonel Nunez sealed it in second half stoppage time. Argentinos Juniors grabbed a point with a late, late Facundo Coria equaliser against Arsenal to also go above Godoy. Jose Calderon put Argentinos ahead early, but two from Luciano Leguizamo either side of half-time - the second a penalty - turned the game until Coria's late intervention.

A tempestuous Rosario derby ended nine-a-side as honours were shared. Central were ahead inside three minutes through Diego Braghieri, but it was all square again as Rolando Schiavi equalised from the spot quarter of an hour later. Mario Paglialunga and Lucas Bernardi were sent off in the same incident just after the half hour, reducing both sides to ten. Cristian Nunez was dismissed on the stroke of half-time leaving Newell's with nine and it was all square five minutes into the second half as Nahuel Valentini picked up a second yellow.

Tucumán are still bottom, but picked up their first win to reduce the arrears. Emmaniel Gigliotti and Jonathan Blanes put them two up inside ten minutes midway through the second half. Erwin Avalos pulled one back four minutes before time for Chacarita, but it was too little too late. Marcos Perez got the only goal for Gimnasia as they beat Boca who are still struggling, but San Lorenzo look to have turned a corner. Alejandro Gomez put them one up in the first half and the game was up for Huracán when Ezequiel Filipetto got a second yellow. Fabian Bordagaray made it two five minutes after the dismissal and Cristian Leiva made it three late on. Racing came from behind to beat Vélez. Fernando Tobio put Vélez ahead five minutes from time and they remained in front until Ricardo Alvarez was sent off. Pablo Luguercio equalised five minutes later and Racing were in front two minutes later through Claudio Yacob and Claudio Bieler got a third within five minutes to win it. Guido Pizarro grabbed a late equaliser for Lanús after Colón went ahead shortly after the break with a Esteban Fuertes penalty.

This week:

Vélez Sarsfield v Tigre
Godoy Cruz v Chacarita Juniors
Lanús v Arsenal
Newell's Old Boys v Colón
Estudiantes v River Plate
Huracán v Independiente
Argentinos Juniors v Gimnasia La Plata
Racing Club v Banfield
Atlético Tucumán v Rosario Central
Boca Juniors v San Lorenzo

River's resurgence will be sorely tested by Estudiantes while everyone else will be trying to stop this becoming the four-horse race it's rapidly developing into.

Godoy cruise to summit

Newell's Old Boys 3-0 Chacarita Juniors
Huracán 3-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Independiente 0-1 San Lorenzo
Lanús 0-0 Rosario Central
Vélez Sarsfield 0-0 Banfield
Atlético Tucumán 0-0 River Plate
Godoy Cruz 6-2 Tigre
Estudiantes 4-0 Racing Club
Boca Juniors 4-0 Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors 3-1 Colón

Tigre were put to the sword by Godoy Cruz who, after a little wobble around the hour mark, ran out hefty winners as they went top of the Clausura table. Rodrigo Salinas ended with a hat-trick, his first coming a minute after the restart by which time Godoy were already 1-0 up through Francisco Dutari. Daniel Vega made it three before a Tigre rally when they pulled two back in two minutes. Leandro Lazzarro got one and a Zelmar Garcia own goal made it 3-2, but Leonardo Sigali got Godoy's fourth before Salinas completed his hat-trick. Argentinos Juniors join Godoy at the top on 28 points after a comfortable win over Colón. Nestor Ortigoza, Jose Luis Calderon and Ismael Sosa put Argentinos into a 3-0 lead before Jonathan Bauman got a stoppage time consolation. Independiente lost again as they slide down the table, Nelson Benitez with an early goal for resurgent San Lorenzo. Estudiantes move ahead of them on goal difference after thumping Racing. Leandro Gonzalez got two as Estudiantes went 3-0 up before the break and closed out a 4-0 win.

River Plate's woes continue and Leonardo Astrada lost his job in the wake of the 0-0 draw at rock bottom Atlético Tucumán. Relegation is worked out over three seasons, a move widely seen - with good reason - as intended to keep the big boys in the top league. Even with that, River are dangerously close to being dragged into it and have made the move to arrest the slide. Things aren't so great at Boca either, but they won well against Arsenal. Martin Palermo struck twice and Juan Riquelme was also on the scoresheet as they ran out 4-0 winners, but it's papering over cracks at the Bombonera. The model they successfully employed involved developing young talent and selling it on to Europe. As soon as Riquelme returned, that model broke down. Rumours of factions - a Riquelme faction, a Palermo faction - in the dressing room are rife and it can't be easy to build a team ethic when one bloke is earning many times more than the others.

Elsewhere, Cristian Nunez got all three for Newell's in a 3-0 win over Chacarita and Huracán went up to sixth with a win over Gimnasia. After a goalless first half, Andres Franziosa and Diego Rodriguez put them two up early in the second period. Antonio Aguero pulled one back, but Gustavo Balvorin sealed it in the last minute. There were goalless draws at Lanús and Vélez. Rosario Central hung on for 0-0 against Lanús despite losing Gervasio Nunez to a second yellow on the hour while Vélez midfielder Leandro Somoza got a straight red in the stalemate with Banfield.

This week:

Chacarita Juniors v Atlético Tucumán
Tigre v Estudiantes
Banfield v Independiente
River Plate v Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo v Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata v Boca Juniors
Rosario Central v Newell's Old Boys
Racing Club v Vélez Sarsfield
Arsenal v Argentinos Juniors
Colón v Lanús

It's the Rosario derby this week, Central hosting it this season while managerless River face the new leaders, goal-happy Godoy Cruz.