River Plate, with a goal from Matías Suárez, defeated Godoy Cruz 1-0 away from home yesterday and became the sole leader with six matches to go in the Argentine Superliga, a tournament that it has not yet managed to win under coach Marcelo Gallardo's leadership.
Earlier in the day, Javier Mascherano, former captain and emblematic figure of the Argentine national team, returned to football in his country in the 1-1 draw that Estudiantes de La Plata took from their visit to San Lorenzo.
In other matches played on matchday 17, Arsenal and Newell's Old Boys drew 1-1, while Central Córdoba agonizingly defeated Colón de Santa Fe 1-0 at home and moved out of the relegation zone.
River started the matchday sharing the top spot with Argentinos Juniors, who lost 1-0 to Unión on Friday in Santa Fe. The "Millonario" took full advantage of the "Bicho's" defeat by defeating the bottom-placed Godoy Cruz by the minimum at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium, in a match they should have won by several goals.
A precise cross from Uruguayan Nicolás de la Cruz allowed Suárez's headed goal in the 16th minute. River's superiority was overwhelming, they generated many chances, but their players didn't know how to convert them into goals.
Gallardo once again opted for three central defenders, although this time he surprised by leaving regular starter and captain Javier Pinola on the bench. The "Muñeco" suffered until the end due to the narrow score, but ended up celebrating as always in Mendoza: it was his eleventh victory in as many visits as a coach to the province.
With their victory, River has 33 points, followed by Argentinos with 30. Boca Juniors, with 29 points, will have the opportunity to become the sole runner-up if they defeat Independiente at home on Sunday.
At the Nuevo Gasómetro stadium, Mascherano, 35 years old and coming from the Chinese club Hebei Fortune, played the full 90 minutes and provided the assist for Estudiantes' equalizer, scored by substitute Mateo Retegui, in the 68th minute. San Lorenzo had taken the lead in the 63rd minute with a goal from left-back Bruno Pitton.
Mascherano, who started his career at River Plate and said goodbye to Argentine football almost 15 years ago, played for Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool, and Barcelona. He also participated in four World Cups and holds the historic record of appearances for the Argentine national team (143 matches).
In his return, the "Jefecito" - who was booked in the 21st minute - was one of the standout players.
"I am happy to be back, but this is a long road," said Mascherano. "Is there any difference from when I left? The age. Today the game is much faster, against younger people. You have to adapt to this and be 100%, otherwise you will be overrun," he added.
On Sunday, in the closing match of matchday 17, Banfield-Patronato, Racing Club-Atlético Tucumán, and Defensa y Justicia-Talleres de Córdoba will also play.