Argentina Primera Division Wrap: Luna fires up River Plate

Veteran striker Carlos Luna has scored his first goal in almost three months as River Plate defeated All Boys 2-0 in the Argentina Primera Division.

River Plate, who sit third in the Primera Division’s standings, extended their unbeaten run in Argentina’s top tier of football to seven games, staying in touch with league-leaders Newell’s Old Boys, who moved above Lanus over the weekend.

Newell’s Old Boys came from behind to win 3-1 against Godoy Cruz, while previous leaders Lanus were held to a scoreless draw by Independiente.

At the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires on Sunday, River Plate were too strong for All Boys thanks to goals from Manuel Lanzini and Luna.

In a goalless first half, River had the best opportunities to score with Juan Iturbe’s long-range strike a stand-out; forcing All Boys’ goalkeeper Nicolas Cambiasso into a brilliant diving save, while the visitors had Dario Stefanatto sent off in the 29th minute.

Five minutes after half-time, the home side finally broke through All Boys’ defence with a well-worked move down the right ending in a cross to Rogelio Funes Mori at the back post, who headed the ball back to Lanzini for a simple finish.

Luna, who came off the bench at half-time, capped off River’s win in the third minute of second-half stoppage time when he finished off Lanzini’s good lead-up work.

Lanzini showed plenty of balance to get free of two All Boys defenders before squaring the ball to Luna, who slid in at the back post to score his first goal for River since February 25.

The win took River to 25 points for the season, three behind Newell’s Old Boys and just two adrift of Lanus.

Newell’s Old Boys suffered an early blow in their home game on Friday when Godoy Cruz striker Mauro Obolo slotted the ball into the net from a tight angle in the 24th minute.

But a brace from Ignacio Scocco, including a blistering free-kick four minutes after Obalo’s goal, plus an own goal from Godoy Cruz defender Jose San Roman ensured victory for the hosts.

Boca Juniors remain winless in 12 Primera Division games after a 3-0 defeat to San Lorenzo, while San Martin de San Juan knocked off bottom club Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes triumphed 1-0 over Union Santa Fe.

In other results, Velez Sarsfield were held to a 2-2 draw by Arsenal, Racing Club defeated Tigre 2-0, Quilmes triumphed 3-0 over Colon and Belgrano held Atletico Rafaela to a 0-0 draw.