Argentinos Juniors beat Banfield 1-0 to draw level with Boca Juniors at the top of the annual table. Saturday's victory at the Estadio Florencio Sola on 17 October, sealed by a Matías Giménez goal, leaves El Bicho on 54 points, matching their Buenos Aires rivals. This positive result follows a five-game run of one win, two draws and two defeats, which included the 1-1 draw at Platense on 11 October and the 1-0 loss to Rosario Central on 20 September.
Matías Giménez Rojas was the match-winner. The striker finished with a fierce shot after a high press and a one-on-one with the home goalkeeper. "El único gol del partido lo anotó Matías Giménez Rojas," said the goalscorer, who found the net in the 66th minute assisted by Gastón Verón.
The result gives Argentinos Juniors their first win in a five-game run that had yielded one win, two draws and two defeats. Nicolás Diez's side now leads Zone A of the Torneo Clausura with 25 points, though Rosario Central (22) and Belgrano (22) could close the gap in their upcoming fixtures.
The win carries extra weight due to its impact on the annual standings, which determine qualification for international competitions. The top three teams qualify for the 2027 Copa Libertadores. Argentinos Juniors and Boca now share top spot, with Independiente Rivadavia, on 52 points with a game in hand, as the closest challenger.
The next challenge is a direct and decisive one. Argentinos Juniors will host Independiente Rivadavia on Tuesday, 27 October in a key clash for the annual title. Lepra could overtake El Bicho if they win their game in hand, making the match at La Paternal a virtual final.
Meanwhile, Banfield, with 13 points and far from the playoff zone, turns its attention to the Copa Argentina semi-final against Boca Juniors next Saturday.
First reported at elgrafico.com.ar
Manager Nicolás Diez confirmed striker Tomás Molina's poor run, as he hasn't scored since the fourth matchday. The coach showed his displeasure with the team's functioning during the 1-0 win at Banfield on October 17. "He wanted patience and, above all, the calm that he himself lacked," explained La Nación regarding the manager's behavior. Diez substituted Molina in the second half, which sparked the forward's fury.
Goalkeeper Brayan Cortés was decisive in the 1-0 victory over Banfield on October 17, according to the club's analysis. The Chilean, on loan from Colo Colo, prevented an own goal after a defensive error. His key intervention preserved the lead secured by Matías Giménez. The next fixture is against Independiente Rivadavia on October 27.
The club Argentinos Juniors confirmed the official match details from the game against Banfield. The referee for the match was Sebastián Zunino, with Laura Fortunato as the VAR official. The only goal, scored by Matías Giménez Rojas, came in the 66th minute with an assist from Gastón Verón, according to verified match data. The team will host Independiente Rivadavia on Tuesday, October 27.
