Argentina Apertura Round 18 Results: Racing, Tigre, Godoy Cruz & Independiente set up Libertadores last-day battle

The final weekend promises fireworks, as Godoy's defeat means four teams will be fighting for the final qualification spot to South America's premier club tournament

Dec 9, 2011 3:45:00 PM

By Daniel Edwards

Abrazos a Jairo Castillo - Godoy Cruz

Argentina Apertura Results:

Round 17

Table/Fixtures
Tuesday DECEMBER 6
Wednesday DECEMBER 7
All Boys v Argentinos Juniors
1-0 Arsenal de Sarandi v Boca Juniors 2-2
Olimpo v Estudiantes 0-0
 Godoy Cruz v Colon 0-1
 Union v Lanus
 0-1

 Racing Club v Rafaela 1-0

 ThThursday DECEMBER 16


 Newell's v San Martin (SJ) 0-0

 Banfield v Belgrano 0-2  
Tigre v Velez Sarsfield 1-3

San Lorenzo v Independiente
 0-1    

San Lorenzo
 0-1
 Independiente
Independiente guaranteed a fierce battle for the final Copa Libertadores place in the weekend's final round of fixtures, as they piled more misery onto struggling San Lorenzo to give themselves a great chance of continental football in 2012.

The Rojo finally triumphed in the tense clasico in Bajo Flores thanks to a goal 20 minutes from the end, scored by young substitute Martin Benitez. The 17-year-old striker had been on the field for barely 10 minutes when he struck, latching on to a swinging free kick from the left-hand side to head past the keeper.

The teenager's second professional goal gave the Rojo a vital three points and moved them within two points of Godoy Cruz, who currently occupy the last Copa Libertadores spot. They need to beat fellow challengers Tigre, and hope that Godoy and Racing both fail to win in order to make the competition.
Racing Club
 1-0
 Rafaela

Never out of the headlines in the 2011 Apertura, Teo Gutierrez this time made them for the right reasons as his solitary goal gave Racing an invaluable win for their Libertadores aspirations.

La Academia started the brighter of the two teams, against a Rafaela team who had impressed early in the season but who in recent weeks have tailed off for a respectable mid-table finish. Gutierrez and strike partner Gabi Hauche both went close in the first half, but Racing had to wait until just after the break to take the advantage.

A silly handball in the area from German Caceres gave the referee no choice but to award the home team a penalty, and Gutierrez smashed it home to record his sixth goal of the campaign, in what was also his return after a polemic record against Boca. Racing now lie one point behind Godoy Cruz in the Copa chase and play Velez away on the last day.
Tigre
 1-3
 Velez Sarsfield
Plucky Tigre surrendered their chances of a second-placed finish in the Apertura, and also the opportunity to move out of relegation trouble, as they went down to defeat at home against Velez.

The Matador were hurt by two quickfire goals from the away team, who saw David Ramirez and Guillermo Franco hit the net in the space of five minutes during the first half. Tigre would not give up, however, and pulled one back thanks to a stunning goal from Diego Morales. 'Cachete' waltzed through the away defence with wonderful control, before looping the ball home to bring proceedings back to 2-1.

The game was ended as a contest though on the hour mark, when Augusto Fernandez fired home for the Fortin's third. Velez move up to fourth in the campaign and could tie for second with Racing if they beat them at home on Monday. Tigre, meanwhile, stay in direct relegation, nine points adrift of San Lorenzo above them.

Best of the Rest
A relaxed Boca Juniors team played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Arsenal de Sarandi, as they entered the pitch for the first time since sewing up the league title. The Xeneixe looked like they may lose their wonderful unbeaten record at 2-1 down, but with 20 minutes to go Cristian Chavez netted the game's fourth goal to ensure a point for Julio Cesar Falcioni's men.

Elsewhere, Godoy Cruz could have ensured Copa Libertadores football with a win over Colon, but fell 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Federico Higuain. Newell's Old Boys were held to an incredible 12th draw in 18 matches at home to San Martin, while a Cesar Pereyra double led Belgrano to success over Banfield, and guaranteed that Ricardo La Volpe's men would finishing rock-bottom of the Apertura.

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly...
Hero of the Week

There are few players who have impressed more over the last few years of the Argentine Primera, and David Ramirez once more demonstrated his talents for Velez. The ex-Godoy Cruz hero scored the opener against Tigre and was a constant threat with the ball.

Zero of the Week

Banfield coach Ricardo La Volpe has only been in charge for a handful of games, but the moustachioed maestro finds himself under pressure to stay at the helm. A fourth defeat in six games left the Taladro stranded at the bottom of the league with a pitiful 11 points, and the jury is out on whether the incumbent will be given the chance to rebuild for 2012 or sent on his way.

Racing Club v

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