BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Sarandí’s lowly Arsenal, who had yet to win in the Argentine league and reached the Monumental as a bottom side, reversed the score and beat Martín Demichelis’ River Plate 2 -1 Sunday for the fifth date.
It was a historic result, since Arsenal had never imposed the Millionaire in a match at the Monumental – they had only won a victory on penalties, in the semi-finals of the 2007 Copa Sudamericana.
This time, the southern side of Greater Buenos Aires celebrated with goals from Lautaro Guzmán, from the penalty spot, in the 63rd minute, and from Luis Leal, the striker of São Tomé and Príncipe, in the 80th minute. River’s initial advantage was the handiwork of 8-year-old José Paradela.
“The defeats hurt and when they are at home, much more… We apologize to the people, who always support us. We have to do a great self-criticism. Every good team needs defensive strength,” Demichelis said after his second loss as River coach.
The night had started off brilliantly for the hosts, but a succession of defensive errors left them empty-handed against Carlos Ruiz’s side, who despite three points are still bottom of the mid-table – the bottom two are relegated.
Also, one of the figures on the pitch was midfielder Felipe Peña Biafore, whose assist belongs to River and was loaned to Arsenal to add minutes.
River missed the chance to climb to the top and was tentatively three units behind in eighth.
The only good news for the stadium was the return of Nicolás De la Cruz, who underwent knee surgery following his appearance at Qatar 2020. The Uruguayan midfielder joined at 60, replacing Paradela.
Independiente again disappointed when visiting Banfield. El Rojo had hardly any chances and drew a goalless draw against an opponent who played almost the entire encounter one man down due to Emanuel Coronel’s sending off. In the end, Joaquín Laso was sent off to Independiente.
Huracán couldn’t climb to the top in Santa Fe. El Globo drew 1-1 with Colón, now managed by Néstor Gorosito.
The visit was won with an early goal from Nicolás Cordero and Sabalero equalized through Paraguayan Jorge Benítez.
Yes, Defensa y Justicia reached the top, beating Atlético Tucumán 3-0 at home and reaching the line of Lanús, Talleres and San Lorenzo, all leaders with 12 points.
Lanús could claim the top on his own on Monday, when he visits Racing Club. At the end of the date, Barracas Central-Gimnasia y Esgrima and Central Córdoba-Argentinos Juniors will also be measured.
Meanwhile, Instituto continued their good campaign in their return to the first season. They beat Gabriel Heinze’s Newell’s 3-1 at home, eliminated this week in the Copa Argentina against a team three categories down.