River Plate picked up a vital 3-2 victory over San Martin de San Juan at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. While their bitter rivals Boca Juniors edged Gimnasia de La 1-0 with another strike from Martin Palermo.

River Plate started very strongly, and piled heavy pressure on their opponents, before Sebastian Abreu put them in the lead in the 17th minute with a fine finish. It was the Uruguayans first official goal for his new side.

But River were in for a rude awakening, as in the 25th minute San Martin drew level with a well-struck spot-kick from Jose Brusco.

However, Diego Simeone's side pushed forward, and went ahead for the second time two minutes later, with a brilliant individual effort from highly-rated youngster Diego Buonanotte.

After the break River dominated their opponents, and extended their lead through Cristian Nasuti in the 57th minute, with a well-taken goal.

It seemed like River would cruise to a comfortable victory, but Martin Bravo pulled a goal back for San Martin in the 62th minute, when he beat Juan Pablo Carrizo with a precise effort.

San Juan pushed their men forward in an attempt to draw level, but the referee of the match, Gustavo Brazenas, called it a day nine minutes before full time, because of the torrential rain that drenched the surface of the field.

River's bitter rivals, Boca Juniors, picked up a vital 1-0 victory over Gimnasia de La Plata at the Cuidad de La Plata stadium.

Boca were in for a very difficult match, as the home side piled heavy pressure on them throughout the match, with the vocal support of their 30,000 strong crowd.

But Boca ended up winning all three points, with a powerful spot-kick from Martin Palermo in the 42nd minute of the first half. It was Palermo's 180th goal with the Boca shirt, making him the club's joint leading scorer of all-time.

Carlos Ischia's team were affected by the fact that they were down to ten men as early as in the 37th minute, after Jonathan Maidana was dismissed for a vital tackle, but they held on.

Newell's Old Boys picked up a vital 1-0 victory over Racing Club in Rosario, as they look to escape from possible relegation to the Argentine Second Division next season.

The only goal of the match was scored by Newell's Paraguayan striker Santiago Salcedo in the 63rd minute.

On Saturday San Lorenzo won their first three points of the season, with a very impressive 3-1 victory over Estudiantes de La Plata in Buenos Aires.

Ramon Diaz's side went ahead in the 12th minute, with a brilliantly executed free kick from Adrian Gonzalez.

The home side dominated the ball possession, but from the run of play, Estudiantes drew level in the 60th minute, with a strike from Mauricio Carrasco.

But San Lorenzo went ahead for the second time two minutes later, with another outstanding free kick from Gonzalez.

Santiago Hirsig put the result out of Estudiantes' lead in the 68th minute, with a good finish after a well worked attacking move.

Independiente pulled off a vital 2-0 victory over Argentinos Juniors in Avellaneda, and demonstrated that they have what it takes to challenge for the title.

Last season's top scorer German Denis put them ahead in the 35th minute, with a close range tap-in, while midfielder Daniel Montenegro sealed the victory with a spectacular long distance effort.

League leaders Velez Sarsfield were held to a goalless draw away at Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy. Velez dominated, but ended up settling for a vital point.

Argentine Apertura champions Lanus were edged 3-2 by Olimpo in Bahia Blanca. Diego Gonzalez scored twice for Lanus (27' & 54'), while Jose Ulloa (49' & 79'), and Gustavo Pinto (65') scored Olimpo's goals.

Colon de Santa Fe should still be worried about possible relegation, after a 2-1 home loss against Tigre. Roman Martinez (39'), and Damian Leyes (80') scored Tigre's goals, while Dario Gandin (53') scored Colon's only goal from the penalty spot.

On Friday Arsenal de Sarandi picked up a good 3-1 win over Banfield in the South of Buenos Aires. Maximiliano Laso put Banfield ahead in the 16th minute, but Arsenal responded with goals from Anibal Matellan (22'), Leonardo Biagini (36'), and Sebastian Carrera (61').

Huracan could only afford a 1-1 draw at home to Rosario Central. Jose Vizcarra put the visitors ahead in the 1st minute, while Hugo Barrientos scored Huracan's equalizer in the ninth minute.

Argentine Clausura Championship: Round Four

Sunday March 2

Newell's Old Boys 1-0 Racing Club

River Plate 3-2 San Martin

Gimnasia La Plata 0-1 Boca Juniors

Saturday March 1

Colon 1-2 Tigre

Gimnasia de Jujuy 0-0 Velez Sarsfield

Independiente 2-0 Argentinos Juniors

Olimpo 3-2 Lanus

San Lorenzo 3-1 Estudiantes

Friday February 29

Huracan 1-1 Rosario Central

Banfield 1-3 Arsenal