Sunday saw the first round of the 2013 Torneo Final continue with three matches. In Córdoba, the biggest game – or at least the biggest grudge match – of the day saw River Plate visit Belgrano, the side who relegated them in the playoffs in 2011. Having drawn one and lost one of those, before losing at home at the start of the Torneo Inicial last year on their return to the Primera, River finally won against Belgrano courtesy of goals from newly-signed defender Leonel Vangioni and forward Carlos Luna. It wasn’t a good day for the two Avellaneda giants; Racing were beaten 3-0 away to Atlético Rafaela, who scored two penalties, and Independiente lost 3-1 at home to Newell’s Old Boys. All the goals are right here.
Independiente 1 – 3 Newell’s
Last season’s top scorer Ignacio Scocco started as he left off with two goals here – he opened the scoring after 16 minutes and, after Independiente had equalised with a Cristian Tula header right on half time, put the visitors back into the lead with twelve minutes to play, leaving Pablo Pérez to wrap things up.
Rafaela 3 – 0 Racing
Racing gave away two first half penalties to give Rafaela a half time lead that turned out to be unassailable. Lucas Bovaglio scored the first and Sebastián Grazzini the second, before Jonathan López made it 3-0 shortly after half time.
Belgrano 1 – 2 River
Leonel Vangioni’s long range stunner was the difference at the break, but Leonardo Ponzio was sent off to reduce River to ten men shortly after half time. All the same, Carlos Luna confirmed the win with a goal in the 87th minute – which was for the best, since Belgrano pulled one back a couple of minutes later through Guillermo Farré (with some help from Marcelo Barovero in the River goal).
Hasta El Gol Siempre 
River definitely dispelled the ghost of Belgrano in this match. Maybe it’s just me looking at it from the eyes of an hincha, but River Plate looks so much more solid that last season with Ramón Díaz at the helm .. or is it just me? Vangioni and Sanchez at wingback make the three centre back system work. One of my biggest concerns is what happens if either of them goes down? Is there anyone to step up in those positions or does the scheme change back to 4 at the back? Lanzini looked flojo, maybe a place for Iturbe to replace him? I certainly wouldn’t change the Mora/Trezeguet pairing up front at this point.
Sam, I also recall River and Belgrano’s hinchadas being “friendly” (at least the barras, anyway). Is that still the case after The Relegation Playoff That Shall Not Be Spoken Of?