La Plata Drinking Game: Take A Shot After Each Goal

Today's cover of Argentine sports daily Ole

The eye-opener of the day in Argentina had to have been Gimnasia de La Plata suffering their worst derby defeat ever, a 7-0 ass kicking to Estudiantes de La Plata. The match was played for the first time in the new La Plata city stadium, Gimnasia's new home. Things started badly for Gimnasia (giving up a 3rd min. goal) and finished even worse (two players sent off in 2nd half). Estudiantes coach Diego Simeone, commenting after the game, said that the game was a gift for the fans. "This was a very special day and we went into it knowing that. The players felt the supporters joy in their hearts and were urged on by them throughout the match."

That scoreline was the only thing that could have knocked the 'big clubs' out of the spotlight yesterday. The top two, Boca Juniors and River Plate were both able to win. River were able to grind out a victory at Banfield while Boca bounced back from a bad week with a win at home against Newell's Old Boys. The loss hurt a little bit as Martin Palermo's replacement, Guillermo Barros Schelotto was sent off and will miss Boca's next league match. Racing Club also won yesterday to keep within touch of the leaders.

Boca still lead with 25 points and a game in hand. River trail by one while Estudiantes is three back. After their win away to Belgrano, Racing are now within five points of Boca.

The Presidente Peron stadium will be rocking next week when Boca pay Racing a visit in Sunday's big game. Another Buenos Aires derby match to get the blood boiling. As noted above, it's an important match that Schelotto will be missing. At a time that Boca need firepower up front, it's a dilemma that Ricardo La Volpe will have to figure out during the week's preparations. Look for more info on this one in tomorrow's weekly TV post.

Estudiantes batter Gimnasia 7-0 in La Plata derby [People's Daily]
Yesterday in Argentina [ESPN Soccernet]

-ac