Two clásicos are out of the way already today, with Estudiantes winning the La Plata derby to leapfrog Gimnasia (and several other sides) and reach 20 points, whilst San Lorenzo let slip a good opportunity against Huracán.
The champions took the lead in only the third minute at the Nuevo Gasometro, Johnathan Bottinelli heading a goal which Paolo Goltz later cancelled out, also with his head, about ten minutes before the interval. Thereafter the match saw ‘more running than playing’, in Olé‘s words, with the biggest praise due to the fans of the rival teams for high originality in chanting. Huracán will probably be marginally happier with the result – it leaves San Lorenzo still five points behind (current) leaders Boca, with just nine to play for – the title defence is surely over now.
Meanwhile in the Estadio Municipal, Estudiantes beat Gimnasia by a solitary goal from Juan Salgueiro in the 34th minute. Gimnasia started better and had a brilliant chance to take the lead but Germán Herrera messed up from the penalty spot and Salgueiro took advantage minutes later. Agustín Alayes was sent off in the 63rd minute for the ‘home’ side, but they hung on to claim the win in rather less spectacular fashion than the 7-0 thrashing they handed out to their rivals in last year’s Apertura…
Photo of the La Plata clásico courtesy of Tom on the HEGS Flickr pool
Hasta El Gol Siempre 