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River Plate kicked off the Clausura Championship with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy, while bitter rivals Boca Juniors were held to a 1-1 draw by Rosario Central.
River Plate started off the season with an impressive 2-0 victory over Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy at the Monumental stadium, in Buenos Aires.
Diego Simeone, who was in charge of his first official match for River, put out a very attacking team, even though they were unable to count with star striker Sebastian Abreu, who has yet to receive his transfer.
River dominated proceedings, but although they created a number of clear goal scoring opportunities, they couldn't capitalise.
The Argentine giants went ahead in the 49th minutes, with a brilliant strike from Matias Abelairas, a player who had threatened the Gimnasia goal on several occasions.
In the 57th minute River doubled their lead, through Paulo Ferrari, who outjumped his marker to head in a corner kick from the left.
Simeone's side seemed happy with the result, and have shown that they will be firm title candidates this season.
River's cross-town rivals Boca Juniors, could only afford a 1-1 draw with Rosario Central, a team who struggled last season.
It was a very intense match, in which both teams created several opportunities each to go in front in the first period.
Rosario threatened the Boca goal, but were kept out by the magnificent form of Boca goalkeeper Mauricio Caranta.
After the break Boca controlled proceedings, but had to wait until the 73rd minute before Rodrigo Palacio put them ahead, after rounding the goalkeeper, before tapping in.
The home side pushed forward after going behind, and equalised five minutes before full time with an outstanding long distance missile from former Inter Milan midfielder Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez.
Argentine Apertura champions Lanus edged Independiente 1-0 with an own goal from Leandro Gioda in the 51st minute.
Lanus completely dominated their opponents, but they couldn't capitalise on their goal scoring opportunities, especially those that fell to them in the second half.
Copa Sudamericana champions Arsenal de Sarandi continued their good work of last year, with a 2-0 victory over Huracan.
Arsenal proved much superior to their opponents, and cruised to a comfortable victory, with goals from Luciano Leguizamon (7') and Jose Luis Calderon (15').
On Saturday Velez Sarsfield edged Colon de Santa Fe 4-3 in a thrilling encounter played in Liniers, Buenos Aires.
Velez went three goals ahead, with strikes from Gustavo Balvorin (18'), Santiago Silva (23'), and Mariano Uglessich (28'), while Paulo Aguilar (35') pulled a goal back for Colon before half time.
Balvorin scored Velez's fourth goal (55'), but a late rally saw Colon score twice more through Dario Gandin (84') and Alejandro Capurro (90'), although it was much too late, and they had to settle for a 4-3 loss.
In Avellaneda, Racing Club came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with Olimpo de Bahia Blanca.
Javier Paez put Olimpo ahead, but Facundo Sava equalised for the home team five minutes before full-time.
Clausura Championship Round 1 Results
February 8 (Friday)
San Lorenzo 0-2 Newell's Old Boys
Estudiantes 2-1 Banfield
February 9 (Saturday)
San Martin 2-0 Argentinos Juniors
Tigre 2-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Velez Sarsfield 4-3 Colon
Racing Club 1-1 Olimpo
February 10 (Sunday)
Lanus 1-0 Independiente
River Plate 2-0 Gimnasia Jujuy
Arsenal 2-0 Huracan
Rosario Central 1-1 Boca Juniors
Lanus 1-0 Independiente
Highlights in the UK are on channel 5 at 4am on Friday morning!
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