If grinding out 1-0 wins in tricky away matches is the hallmark of a champion team, then San Lorenzo have just taken a big step towards the Clausura title. Their clash with Newell’s in El Coloso was cagey and deadlocked, until defender Sebastián Méndez broke the Leproso resistance with eight minutes remaining.
San Lorenzo’s attacking ‘trident’ of Nestor Silvera, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gastón Fernández did start the game, in spite of Ramón Díaz stating several times during the week that they wouldn’t. All the same, it was Newell’s who started stronger, Sebastián Arrieta coming one-on-one with San Lorenzo ‘keeper Agustín Orión after just fifteen seconds. Afterwards, counter-attacks and pace were the order of the day, with San Lorenzo just shading it, but unable to break through.
In the second half, again it was Newell’s who started stronger, and San Lorenzo’s attack was flaccid. And then, just as the game was reaching the endpoint, and it was becoming clear that neither side quite deserved to win or lose this match – a goal. Cristian Ledesma found Méndez on his own, and the defender hit a left-footed drive low to Justo Villar’s left. Then, like the travelling fans, he went utterly loco with the knowledge that he might just have played a very large part in yet another title for Ramón Díaz.
Photo nicked from ole.clarin.com
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