South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Argentinos celebrate their first title since 1985

Argentinos Juniors beat Huracan 2-1 on Sunday to clinch their first Argentine title in 25 years, a great achievement for the modest side from La Paternal as it was only their third national championship in their entire history. Argentinos’ goals were converted by Juan Mercier and Facundo Coria in each half.

Argentinos — club where Diego Maradona made his professional debut in 1976 — dominated the early moments of the match, creating several clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities, before Juan Mercier finally put them ahead with a close-range header in the 24th minute.

Claudio Borghi’s side were less effective after the break, and even if they lacked quality in their game their hunger for the title was definitely there, as they played with determination.

Thirteen minutes from full-time Coria added their second goal when he reacted first to a rebound off the post with a simple header. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the visiting Argentinos fans.

Alan Sanchez pulled a goal back for Huracan in the 88th minute, despite his team being down to nine-men after two players were sent-off mid-way through the second half.

Argentinos became the eighth different champions in the last eight seasons of the Argentine league, for many one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Estudiantes, the only other club with chances of winning the league coming into the final round of the season, thrashed Colon de Santa Fe 4-1 — without suspended captain Juan Sebastian Veron — but still finished the season one point behind Argentinos.

Mauro Boselli scored a hat-trick for Estudiantes, with Enzo Perez scoring their other goal.

On Saturday, River Plate couldn’t farewell playmaker Marcelo Gallardo on a positive note, after being thrashed at home 5-1 by Tigre.

While on Friday night, last season’s champions Banfield trounced Boca Juniors 3-0.

In other matches, San Lorenzo beat Newell’s Old Boys 2-1, Independiente edged Lanus 1-0, Racing Club defeated Chacarita Juniors 2-1 and Rosario Central and Velez Sarsfield played out a goalless draw.

Argentine Clausura Championship final positions

Played/Win/Draw/Loss/GF/GA/Points

1		Argentinos	19-	12-	5-	2-	35-	23-	41
2		Estudiantes	19-	12-	4-	3-	33-	14-	40
3		Godoy Cruz	19-	11-	4-	4-	28	14	37
4		Independiente	19-	10-	4-	5-	25-	18-	34
5		Banfield	19-	9-	5-	5-	24-	16-	32
6		Newell`s	19-	8-	6-	5-	32-	18-	30
7		Lanus	19-	8-	5-	6-	25-	23-	29
8		Racing	19-	9-	2-	8-	21-	22-	29
9		Velez	19-	7-	6-	6-	25-	20-	27
10		Huracan	19-	7-	5-	7-	21-	22-	26
11		Tigre	19-	7-	3-	9-	28-	26-	24
12		Gimnasia	19-	6-	6-	7-	21-	29-	24
13		River	19-	6-	4-	9-	16-	21-	22
14		Colon	19-	4-	9-	6-	20-	32-	21
15		San Lorenzo	19-	6-	2-	11-	16-	21-	20
16		Boca	19-	5-	5-	9-	28-	35-	20
17		Rosario Central	19-	3-	10-	6-	12-	19-	19
18		Arsenal	19-	5-	4-	10-	19-	33-	19
19		Chacarita	19-	4-	1-	14-	22-	33-	13
20		Atlético Tucuman	19-	1-	10-	8-	14-	26-	13