San Lorenzo visited Estudiantes de La Plata. Estudiantes came into the game in need of 3 points after losing the derby to Gimnasia de La Plata. Once again Sebastian “La Brujita” Veron showed the world why he was chosen as the best player of the continent. He organized his team; he was vocal and scored the second goal. This week Estudiantes will make their debut in the Libertadores, they have the hard task to defend their crown.

Boca Juniors traveled to Rosario to visit Newell’s Old Boys. A minute of silence was offered before the beginning of the game in memory of the 14 year old who was killed this week during an encounter between rival bands of Newell’s. Boca’s victory of 3-1 over Lanus was just a mirage, once again Boca lost, their defense allowed everything through and when they seemed to be picking up the game, Abbondanzieri allowed a goal from 20 yards outside the box, which could have been easily handled by another goalkeeper. In less than 15 minutes, Newell’s was up 3 goals. Boca has two main problems:

1. It has not found a consolidated defense; they are giving too much space, every set play becomes a goal opportunity (almost 90% of the balls that come into the box from a set play have finished in a goal)

2. Boca has two great finishers, Palermo and the youngster Lucas Viatri, but what can a center forward do when the ball does not make it to the box. Boca does not play through the wings, therefore they don’t create opportunities.

Head Coach Avel Albes has no responsibility in this loss. His team does not respond, the defense offers no guarantees and we can say luck is not in their side.

Chacarita Juniors defeated Banfield 2 goals to 1, and with this result there are out of the relegation spots. Chacarita displayed some very good Futbol, and once again they were deadly in the set plays. Chacarita’s head coach Fernando Gamboa was very happy about the result and said “why not dream about the championship”.

River Plate tied goal less to Rosario Central, in a match that started very promising but soon developed into a boring one. River Plate showed a lot of security in the back, this was a good sign of recovery. The young squad attempted in every way to break the game, but the lack of offensive options didn’t help. Villalba and Funes Mori, both 18 years old, displayed an acceptable level but could not find the net. Marcelo Gallardo made his debut this year and Matias Almeyda once again showed the fans why he was chosen Captain.

The worst news this weekend was the fact that once again, Ariel Ortega fell into his addiction of alcohol driven by a state of depression. It is no longer an issue of Futbol, it is his life that is at stake. As a fan of River I wish for his prompt recovery, he is an essential piece of the team and we want him to be happy, wearing the number 10 and having the crowd chant “Ole” “Ole”. We hope for his safe recovery and his return to the fields soon.

pictures: Diario Ole