Vélez Sarsfield had to dig deep to take three points against Tigre but finally prevailed in a tight match 1-0, thanks to a goal from new signing Milton Caraglio in the last few minutes of play.
The Liniers club, still adapting to life without Final top scorer Mauro Zárate following the striker’s move to England’s West Ham, showed little sign of breaking forward early on during a disappointing first half in Victoria.
Tigre goalkeeper Javier García was on hand to foil Leandro Desábato and Jorge Correa in quick succession, in one of the period’s few moments of excitement. And the Fortín’s task was not made any easier after the break, when Correa saw red for a reckless challenge.
Vélez did not falter, however, and a brilliant move secured victory in the 87th minute. Alejandro Cabral sent Caraglio clear with an excellent pass, and Vélez’s only reinforcement for the Transición campaign finished with authority to give his new employers a valuable three points.
In the day’s earlier kick-off, meanwhile, Arsenal de Sarandí fought back from one goal down to beat Estudiantes 2-1 at home. Guido Carrillo had fired the La Plata giants ahead, but strikes from Emilio Zelaya and Ramón Carrera handed Arsenal, who played their first match since the passing of club founder and former president Julio Grondona, the victory.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald