Fernando Romero Nuñez The Copa de la Liga, the second half of the Argentine football season, is carrying on in full swing. And as teams start to hit their stride, the landscape is beginning to clear up. Here’s a recap of the best of what happened in week 2 of the tournament. .
Ferreira’s wonder run
Newell’s Old Boys’ Cristian Ferreira scored what could arguably end up being the best goal of the tournament. Or not. After receiving the ball in his own half, the 23-year-old made it all the way to the opposing box, where he dribbled past his rivals with a fantastic feint to then chip the goalkeeper and score the only goal in Newell’s Old Boys 1-0 win over Lanús.
So, goal of the season, right? Well, not quite. The problem is the ball hit Lanús defender Cristian Lema on its way, and the refs considered it an own goal. “What do you mean they gave it as a Lema own goal? I chipped it, it was goal-bound”, said an exasperated Ferreira after the match.
Rodriguez launches a rocket to win it
Talleres is sitting in second place in group A and it has Juan Rodriguez to thank for that. And although the Córdoba side sold two of its best players in attackers Diego Valoyes and Michael Santos, things may turn out OK for them if players like Rodriguez keep scoring goals like this.
The 29-year-old defender was the player of the match, not least because of his late-winner to secure three points for Talleres. After a tough match and with the score locked at 1-1, Rodriguez pushed forward, got the ball some way outside the box and launched an unstoppable rocket of a shot.
“I happened to find some space, the game was pretty tight. We couldn’t unlock it. I felt confident and shot it,” said Rodríguez after the game, who scored only his third goal in 160 games for Talleres.
Quintero shows his class
Racing Club has a key game against Boca Juniors in the upcoming Copa Libertadores quarter finals, so head coach Fernando Gago will be happy to see Colombian midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero (30) is already looking in form.
The former River Plate and FC Porto player was the signing of the season for La Academia, who will undoubtedly need his class to make headway in the international competition. However, the signing opened room to some doubts about Quintero’s shape.
He quickly dispelled them in only his third game of the season with a terrific goal against Tigre. The Colombian got the ball into space via a great pass by Agustín Almendra, left his marker in the dust with a faint and then slotted it low far from the goalkeeper’s reach.
He then added to his performance with a great assist for Baltasar Rodriguez to score the second in Racing’s 2-1 win.
Gimenez Rojas is Tevez’ delight
There’s an old saying in Argentine football that every coach wins their debut game, and it certainly proved true for Independiente’s Carlos Tévez against Vélez Sarsfield. The Boca Juniors legend is taking his first steps as a coach, and after a mixed spell with Rosario Central, he decided to take on the struggling Diablos Rojos.
Matías Gimenez Rojas was a key factor, as he proved tricky to handle for the Vélez defense and crowned his excellent performance with a great goal. In a quick counter by Independiente, Rojas took the ball after a rival tried to clear it, dodged an incoming tackle with a cutback and then hit it with the inside of his right shoe to put it beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
He would then go on to score the winner from a penalty in the 95th minute after Vélez tied the game, securing a much needed three points for Independiente to Tévez’ joy.
Rondon gets his mojo back
Salomón Rondón didn’t have the best start to his River Plate career. After playing in Spain’s La Liga and England’s Premier League, the 33 year old Venezuelan striker was a big name signing for the Millionarios, but so far he’s struggled to even make it off the bench.
However, he showed all his class when River faced Barracas Central. In the 85th minute of the game, Rondón perfectly controlled a long ball by “Nacho” Fernández, and then put into the back of the net with his second touch to score the fourth of the night in River’s 5-1 win.
Rondón showed his excitement in his celebration of what was his first goal at River’s mythic Monumental home stadium.
Bonus Track: Gabriel Avalos scores near-record goal
Argentinos Juniors up and down form continues as the Gabriel Milito led side lost 3-2 against relegation struggling Arsenal de Sarandí. Striker Gabriel Ávalos, however, managed to shine despite his team ‘s problems.
The 32 year old scored a record goal when he took advantage of Arsenal’s sloppy play out of their own kick-off to intercept a pass and make it 1-0 in just eight seconds.
Unfortunately for Argentinos it wouldn’t be enough, as Arsenal fought back to win 3-2.
