Leaders go without wins at end of eighth round in Argentina

Neither of the leaders won as Argentina’s Torneo Clausura reached the end of its eighth round. Instituto de Córdoba lost 3-2 to Unión, while Argentinos Juniors drew 0-0 with Barracas Central.

Instituto’s defeat cost it first place in Zone A on goal difference. Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza and Vélez Sarsfield moved ahead, with both teams on 16 points. Gimnasia had drawn 2-2 with Boca Juniors on Saturday, while Vélez had beaten Estudiantes de La Plata 1-0.

Defensa y Justicia followed on 14 points, then Unión de Santa Fe and Independiente on 13 each. Newell’s Old Boys had 12, and Boca Juniors 11, with the top eight positions leading to the tournament’s defining phase.

Argentinos stayed first in Zone B with 17 points despite the draw. Sarmiento de Junín and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata shared second place on 15 points. Sarmiento had beaten Estudiantes de Río Cuarto 2-0, while Gimnasia defeated Tigre 2-1.

Atlético Tucumán had 13 points, followed by Belgrano de Córdoba, Tigre and Rosario Central on 12. Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza had 11, level with Barracas Central, while River Plate remained outside the qualifying places on 10. River had won two straight matches since Leonardo Ponzio arrived. Racing Club was last in the zone and had the lowest total in the Argentine top flight for the semester, with five points.