Finally, Three Points In 2010

Well, that was exciting. It looked like a laugher at the end of the first half. Scoring for Newell's were Juan Insaurralde, Jorge Achucarro, and Mauro Formica, all before the game was even 20 minutes old. Martin Palermo brought the score to 3-1 from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.
In the second half it turned into a nail biter after Agustín Alayes received a second yellow card, which, for those who might not know, turned into a red card, in the 67th minute. Newell's did well to fend off Boca for nearly 20 minutes of agony. It almost came as a relief when Lucas Viatri brought Los Xeneises with in a goal of bringing the score level in the 86th minute.

With four minutes, and an additional four for injury time, to get through I felt sure that La Lepra would weather the storm. Instead, as the game went into injury time, Boca keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri, under pressure, sent a clearance straight to the feet of Lucas Bernardi. Lucas isn't exactly known for scoring goals, but he made no mistake here. Abbondanzieri had scrambled back, but he didn't have a chance, as Bernardi's shot was taken with the calm of golfer chipping a shot onto the green, gracefully flying into the right top corner of the net.

With about a minute left in injury time, Gabriel Paletta received a direct red card for a vicious tackle. With so little time to go, it didn't effect much.

While I must agree with the announcers that Fórmica was the best player in the first half, I'd have to give the nod to our keeper, Sebastián Peratta, as the player of the match. Sure, he allowed two goals, but he made numerous stops, positioned himself perfectly on every freekick that Boca's Román Riquelme took from a dangerous position, and challenged for balls where he had to put his body on the line.

One worry, Diego Mateo went down on an innocent looking play a few moments before Alayes' expulsion. He was carted off the field but was able to stand on his own upon reaching the bench, but did not return to the field. Instead, Hugo Barrientos came on to take his place. Hopefully Sensini just decided to rest Mateo for the remainder of the match.

Now, it's on to Equador for Wednesday's Copa Libertadores away leg with Emelec.