There were one or two talking points on Sunday. Seba Verón was sent off in the first half as Estudiantes stumbled at the penultimate hurdle in their quest to win an unprecedented Clausura-and-Libertadores double (a 0-0 draw with Rosario Central that condemned their opponents to the relegation playoffs whilst also ensuring Racing are safe); Huracán ended a run of 30 years without a win in La Bombonera; Atlético Tucumán got a point against Arsenal in spite of already being down, and Banfield claimed a 2-1 away win over Tigre. Oh. And Argentinos Juniors are top of the table after scoring three unanswered goals in the last 20 minutes to beat Independiente 4-3 in a simply unbelievable partidazo in La Paternal. HEGS was there. I sure know how to pick ’em! All the goals are right here.
The Estadio Diego Armando Maradina almost exploded when, with ten seconds of the three minutes’ injury time remaining, Matías Caruzzo hit a shot from around the penalty spot which was deflected into the goal to give Argentinos victory in a match that, in the words of club president Luis Segura to this very website afterwards, ‘I didn’t even think we were going to get a draw out of!’ El Bicho took the lead but went in at half time drawing 1-1 following Lionel Núñez’s equaliser from a gol olímpico (direct from a corner) just a minute or so afterwards. After starting the second half weakly – Independiente scored twice as well as hitting the crossbar to take a 3-1 lead in the 67th minute – Argentinos looked down and out before an astonishing comeback that saw them gain a glimpse of hope in the 73rd minute before scoring in the 89th and 93rd to win. The sun was shining in La Paternal and for once, the mandatory lock-in of the home fans until the away contingent were safely out of harm’s way didn’t seem like such a hardship.
Argentinos Juniors 4 – 3 Independiente
Estudiantes de La Plata 0 – 0 Rosario Central (Verón’s red card)
Tigre 1 – 2 Banfield
Boca Juniors 1 – 2 Huracán
Atlético Tucumán 1 – 1 Arsenal Fútbol Club
You can follow the Clausura and the Argentine sides in the 2010 Copa Libertadores via HEGS on Twitter (including updates during and between matches and similar stories that might not go up on the site until later). I’m slowly gaining followers, but if you’ve not signed up yet you can do so here.
Hasta El Gol Siempre 
Yes, a wonderful time was had at Diego Armando Maradona stadium yesterday. Not only HEGS, but yours truly, as well as Diego Armando Maradona were in attendance. A brightly lit, cloudless sky, a stadium bulging with red clad fans for both teams, and lots of passion. Not to mention an extraordinary comeback and victory for Argentinos Juniors that kept alive their championship hopes (reportedly after Mr. Maradona had left the grounds). Most fun I can remember having for seventy pesos.
And a pleasure it was to share it with you, Johnny – I was thinking today that I almost pity the other two on the ‘tour’ because although they undoubtedly enjoyed it, they can’t have had a great idea of exactly what was going on and why it was so mental!